BioVersys Expands Collaboration With GSK, Extends Series C Round by CHF 12.3 Million

BioVersys AG, a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company specializing in novel antibacterial solutions for severe infections caused by multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria, has announced an expansion of its strategic collaboration with GSK plc. This partnership aims to accelerate the clinical development of alpibectir (BVL-GSK098), a potential treatment for tuberculosis (TB).

Alpibectir, a small molecule drug with a unique mode of action, was developed through a collaborative effort involving GSK, Pasteur Institute Lille, and the University of Lille. It is currently undergoing Phase 2a proof-of-concept trials in South Africa, where it is being tested in combination with ethionamide (Eto) to treat pulmonary TB. This innovative compound works by overcoming resistance and enhancing the efficacy of ethionamide, presenting a novel approach in TB treatment.

The collaboration between GSK and BioVersys will extend beyond the current Phase 2a trials. The goal is to further develop alpibectir for both pulmonary TB and TB meningitis, aiming to make it available to patients swiftly.

GSK's involvement in BioVersys' latest financing round includes an equity investment, contributing to an extension of Series C funding by CHF 12.3 million. This brings the total raised in the Series C round to CHF 44.9 million. These funds will support the continued clinical development of BioVersys’ portfolio, which also includes BV100, a promising new antibiotic targeting Acinetobacter baumannii, one of the most drug-resistant bacterial pathogens.

Dr. Marc Gitzinger, Chief Executive Officer and founder of BioVersys, expressed enthusiasm about the expanded collaboration with GSK and their participation in the financing round. He highlighted the successful advancement of alpibectir for TB through the TRIC-TB public-private partnership and the delivery of a Phase 2-ready anti-TB molecule. Dr. Gitzinger looks forward to further collaboration with GSK to develop a new treatment regimen for TB, addressing a significant global health challenge.

Thomas Breuer, Chief Global Health Officer at GSK, emphasized GSK's commitment to combating tuberculosis. He expressed excitement about the partnership with BioVersys and the potential of alpibectir to expand TB treatment options. Breuer believes that collaborative efforts aligned with global health priorities can maximize health impact on a large scale.

Tuberculosis remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). In 2022, an estimated 10.6 million people contracted TB, with approximately 1.3 million fatalities. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 410,000 new TB cases exhibit resistance to rifampicin, the most effective first-line drug, with many of these cases being multi-drug resistant (MDR-TB). MDR-TB continues to pose a significant public health and security threat, with only 63% of MDR-TB patients currently achieving successful treatment outcomes. The global spread of TB is further complicated by high incidence rates in eight countries: India, Indonesia, China, the Philippines, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Additionally, 3.3% of all new TB cases and 17% of recurrent cases are classified as MDR/RR-TB.

BioVersys AG, based in Basel, Switzerland, focuses on developing novel antibacterial products for life-threatening infections caused by MDR bacteria. The company's advanced research programs include treatments for Acinetobacter baumannii (BV100, Phase 2) and tuberculosis (alpibectir, Phase 2a, in collaboration with GSK and the University of Lille). BioVersys leverages its TRIC and Ansamycin Chemistry platforms to address unmet medical needs in antimicrobial and microbiome fields, aiming to offer new treatment options against drug-resistant bacterial infections.