BioVersys and GSK broaden TB treatment partnership for alpibectir

GSK and BioVersys have expanded their strategic partnership to accelerate the clinical advancement of alpibectir (BVL-GSK098) for the treatment of tuberculosis (TB). This collaboration aims to address both pulmonary TB and TB meningitis, enhancing the speed at which new treatments can be made available.

Alpibectir, a small molecule, is currently undergoing a Phase IIa proof-of-concept clinical trial in South Africa, aimed specifically at patients with pulmonary TB. The compound is being tested in combination with ethionamide (Eto) and represents a novel strategy to tackle antibiotic resistance, thereby improving the effectiveness of current treatments.

The development of alpibectir has been facilitated through a public-private partnership that includes GSK, the Pasteur Institute Lille, and the University of Lille. This new partnership with GSK enhances an existing agreement focused on executing the ongoing Phase IIa study.

In addition to expanding their partnership, GSK has invested in BioVersys during its latest Series C funding round, contributing to the SFr12.3m ($13.5m) that BioVersys secured from both existing and new investors. Previously, BioVersys had raised SFr44.9m in a Series C financing round. The new funding will support the continued clinical development of BioVersys' portfolio, including BV100, a hospital antibiotic aimed at combating the drug-resistant bacterial pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii.

Dr. Marc Gitzinger, CEO and founder of BioVersys, expressed his satisfaction with the expanded collaboration. He highlighted the success of their strategic partnership with GSK, which has led to significant progress in the development of alpibectir for TB. The TRIC-TB public-private partnership programme was highlighted as a key achievement, having delivered a Phase II-ready anti-TB molecule.

Dr. Gitzinger emphasized the importance of expanding this collaboration beyond the ongoing Phase IIa evaluation of alpibectir. He noted that TB remains a major public health threat and is inadequately addressed by current therapies. The goal is to develop a new treatment regimen for TB, offering hope for improved patient outcomes worldwide.