PBT2
ORAL THERAPEUTIC
Treatment for community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP)

Researchers from the University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity (Doherty Institute) are developing a PBT2 oral therapeutic that aims to restore the activity of workhorse antibiotics used to treat community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CAPB).

Lower respiratory tract infections, including CABP, are among the world’s most deadly communicable diseases. They are estimated to have killed 2.6 million people globally in 2019.

PBT2 is an ionophore therapeutic originally pursued as a potential treatment to restore brain activity in patients with neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s diseases. Studies found that PBT2 is also able to disarm key pathways involved in mechanisms by which bacteria become resistant to frontline antibiotics, like amoxicillin and doxycycline. The Australian team aims to use the effects of PBT2 on drug-resistant bacteria to restore the ability of common antibiotics to effectively eliminate those bacteria.

Current Development Stage: Lead optimization

CARB-X Investment: US$1.75 million

Initial CARB-X Investment Date: October 3, 2023