MicuRx Reports Positive MRX-5 Study Results for Mycobacterium abscessus Treatment

FOSTER CITY, Calif., Oct. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- MicuRx Pharmaceuticals is pleased to announce the publication of influential research on MRX-5, an innovative oral oxaborole prodrug, showing immense promise in treating pulmonary infections caused by Mycobacterium abscessus (Mab), a challenging nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection. The research was spearheaded by Dr. Gyanu Lamichhane, Associate Professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

The study, which appeared in Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, assessed the effectiveness of MRX-5 against clinical isolates of M. abscessus using a validated mouse model. The findings indicated that MRX-5 achieved a dose-dependent decrease in lung bacterial burden, with a dose of 15 mg/kg demonstrating efficacy comparable to the current standard-of-care treatments.

Key insights from the study include:

1. MRX-5 demonstrated substantial efficacy against a range of M. abscessus isolates, including those resistant to other drugs, providing hope for patients with limited treatment options.
2. At a dose of 15 mg/kg, MRX-5 achieved a reduction in lung bacterial loads comparable to established therapies.
3. MRX-5 exhibited dose-linear pharmacokinetics, suggesting the potential for predictable and manageable dosing in clinical settings.
4. This study marks the first evaluation of MRX-5, the oral prodrug of MRX-6038, in an animal model, indicating that MRX-5 is well-tolerated and effective over long treatment durations.

"We are thrilled about the potential of MRX-5 to offer a much-needed new treatment option for patients suffering from Mycobacterium abscessus infections," said Jerry Li, the President of MicuRx Pharmaceuticals. "The oral formulation of MRX-5 represents a significant advancement in NTM therapy, especially for vulnerable patient populations, including those with cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, and immunosuppression, who face challenges with existing treatment regimens."

M. abscessus infections are notoriously challenging to manage, typically necessitating prolonged, complex, and poorly tolerated courses of multiple antibiotics. With no FDA-approved treatment for Mab, the results of this study are a hopeful development towards meeting the growing unmet clinical need for effective and convenient treatment options. Notably, MRX-5 offers an oral alternative to current treatment regimens that are primarily intravenous and highly toxic, with failure rates exceeding 50%. MRX-5 could significantly improve patient compliance and quality of life when compared to the current standard intravenous therapies.

MicuRx Pharmaceuticals is dedicated to advancing the development of MRX-5 and anticipates the commencement of clinical trials in patients to further investigate its safety and efficacy in human subjects.

MicuRx Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative antibiotics for the treatment of multidrug-resistant infections. With a mission to address significant unmet medical needs, MicuRx is advancing a portfolio of drug candidates targeting difficult-to-treat infections.