BioVersys Receives Non-Dilutive Funding from CF AMR Syndicate Discovery Program

BioVersys AG, a biopharmaceutical company based in Basel, Switzerland, has been awarded up to £500,000 by the CF AMR Syndicate. This funding aims to support the development of innovative small molecules to combat non-tubercular mycobacteria (NTM) lung infections in individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF). This initiative is part of a LifeArc-funded Collaborative Discovery Programme (CDP).

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant health threat globally, with existing treatments becoming less effective over time. This is particularly concerning for chronic conditions like NTM lung disease (NTM-LD), where resistance can develop during extended treatments, which typically last between 12 to 24 months. Due to the lack of effective treatment options, cure rates for NTM-LD are alarmingly low, ranging from 30-50%. Individuals with structural airway diseases such as CF or bronchiectasis are especially susceptible to NTM-LD.

Cystic fibrosis affects over 162,000 individuals worldwide. Despite advances in drug treatments, there remains a pressing need for new therapies. The condition causes thick, sticky mucus to accumulate in the lungs, making it difficult to clear infections, which in turn leads to a gradual decline in lung function. As a result, treatment failure due to resistance is common among those with CF, highlighting the urgent need for new antimicrobial treatments.

BioVersys has derived its NTM program from its proprietary Ansamycin Chemistry platform. The company is developing a potent broad-spectrum anti-NTM ansamycin, suitable for oral or inhalation therapy. Importantly, this candidate is designed to avoid cross-resistance with other therapeutic classes and potential drug-drug interactions, which is crucial for patients often undergoing multiple drug therapies.

Dr. Sergio Lociuro, Chief Scientific Officer of BioVersys, expressed delight over the funding and collaboration with the CF AMR Syndicate. He emphasized that working with experienced partners in the field is the most effective way to advance research. This collaboration will not only expand BioVersys' network but also provide valuable insights for developing products aimed at improving the treatment of pulmonary diseases caused by NTMs.

Catherine Kettleborough, who leads LifeArc’s Chronic Respiratory Infection Translational Challenge, stated that the Collaborative Discovery Programme is part of their initiative to accelerate scientific innovation for people with CF and bronchiectasis. The program aims to break the cycle of infection, inflammation, and permanent lung damage. She welcomed BioVersys to the program, noting the potential impact of their advanced Discovery project on the CF community.

Dr. Paula Sommer from the Cystic Fibrosis Trust highlighted the vulnerability of CF patients to antimicrobial resistance and emphasized the urgent need for new antimicrobials targeting CF-associated lung infections. The CF community's input has been instrumental in developing the program.

Dr. Beverley Isherwood of Medicines Discovery Catapult stressed the importance of the CF AMR Syndicate, which unites leading experts from various sectors to speed up the translation of CF antimicrobials to clinical settings. The program aims to contribute new, promising antimicrobials for those in need through this patient-centered collective approach.

NTM are environmental bacteria that primarily cause pulmonary disease, affecting around 250,000 people annually, predominantly in North America and Asia. Treatment is challenging due to bacterial resistance, lengthy therapy, and adverse effects associated with current options. Current treatments are only moderately effective for Mycobacterium avium complex, and no reliable therapy exists for Mycobacterium abscessus, a pathogen with a high mortality rate.

The CF AMR Syndicate, established in 2019, brings together experts from industry, academia, and clinical care to accelerate the development of new treatments for CF. The Syndicate is managed by Medicines Discovery Catapult, Cystic Fibrosis Trust, and LifeArc.

BioVersys is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel antibacterial products for serious infections caused by multi-drug resistant bacteria. Their advanced research programs target nosocomial infections and tuberculosis, with ongoing collaborations with leading institutions and pharmaceutical companies.