Clostridium difficile infection

SAN DIEGO, March 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Blacksmith Medicines, Inc. (Blacksmith), a leading biopharma dedicated to discovering and developing medicines targeting metalloenzymes, announced today that it will present a talk and poster highlighting its novel chemistry technology platform for metalloenzyme inhibitors of LpxC for the treatment of infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria at the New Antibacterial Discovery and Development Gordon Research Conference (GRC): Innovative Approaches in Antibacterial Research and Development to Fight the Antibiotic Resistance Crisis being held March 17-22, 2024, in Ventura, CA. "We are looking forward to attending the GRC and presenting an overview of Blacksmith's discovery platform along with a progress update on our novel class small-molecule antibacterial targeting LpxC," said Andrew Tomaras, Ph.D., Senior Vice President of Blacksmith. "Our lead candidate, currently undergoing IND-enabling studies, has demonstrated activity against susceptible and multidrug-resistant Gram-negative organisms included on the WHO and CDC bacterial threat lists, and is currently being pursued using both IV and oral routes of administration for indications such as UTI." Talk Presentation Details: Title: "Anti-Infective Candidates with Novel Targets Using the Blacksmith Discovery Platform" Category: Discovery Pipelines, Hits, Leads and Candidates Date and Time: Tuesday, March 19 at 11:05am – 11:25am Pacific Poster Presentation Details: Title: "Advanced preclinical in vitro and in vivo characterization of a novel, non-hydroxamate-based LpxC inhibitor for the intravenous and oral treatment of multidrug-resistant Enterobacterales" Date and Time: Thursday, March 21 at 4:00pm – 6:00pm Pacific Poster Board Number: 13 More information can be found on the meeting website at 2024 New Antibacterial Discovery and Development GRC and, following the presentation, a version of the poster will be made available on the Blacksmith Medicines website About LpxC LpxC, a zinc hydrolase, is an attractive and highly sought-after antibiotic target – it is conserved across Gram-negative bacteria and not found in Gram-positive bacteria or human cells. Inhibiting LpxC results in potent killing of Gram-negative bacteria with the benefit of sparing Gram-positive bacteria such as those residing in the protective microbiome of the gut which help to deter opportunistic C. difficile infections. Other LpxC inhibitors have been evaluated by biopharma in the past but chemistry limitations (e.g. hydroxamic acid) have yielded ineffective compounds that suffer from poor drug-like properties. Thus, there are no approved therapeutics targeting LpxC. Blacksmith, using its proprietary chemistry platform, has developed novel non-hydroxamate inhibitors of LpxC that are safe and effective in animal models of Gram-negative infection and are able to kill Gram-negative 'superbugs' where other antibiotics are ineffective. About metalloenzymes and the Blacksmith platform Metalloenzymes utilize a metal ion cofactor in the enzyme active site to perform essential biological functions. This diverse class of targets has historically been difficult to drug due to small molecule chemistry limitations that have plagued the industry. The Blacksmith metalloenzyme platform has solved this problem by leveraging the following: A large proprietary fragment library of metal-binding pharmacophores (MBPs); A comprehensive database containing a full characterization of the metalloenzyme genome including functions, metal cofactors, and associations to disease; A first-of-its-kind metallo-CRISPR library of custom single guide RNAs; An industry-leading metalloenzyme computational toolkit for docking, modeling and structure-based drug design; and A robust and blocking intellectual property estate covering bioinorganic, medicinal, and computational chemistry approaches for metalloenzyme-targeted medicines. About Blacksmith Medicines At Blacksmith Medicines, we are developing medicines targeting metal-dependent enzymes. Over 30% of known enzymes are metalloenzymes, covering all major enzyme classes: oxidoreductases, transferases, hydrolases, lyases, isomerases, and ligases. Metal ions, including magnesium, zinc, iron, manganese and copper, are the essential ingredient in these metalloenzymes. We recognized a large unmet need for new chemical matter and innovative approaches to drug this important class of enzymes. Our purpose-built platform for metalloenzyme-targeted medicines combines, for the first time in industry, a focused library of metal-binding pharmacophores with proprietary computational modeling approaches to rapidly and rationally design small molecule inhibitors that interact with key metal ions in the enzyme's active site. Our comprehensive knowledge of the metal environment and key active site interactions enables Blacksmith to rapidly build potent and selective inhibitors in a stepwise and predictable manner. Blacksmith has executed strategic drug discovery collaborations with Basilea Pharmaceutica International Ltd., Cyteir Therapeutics Inc., Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly), Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., and Zoetis LLC., and has been awarded non-dilutive Federal funding agreements with CARB-X and NIH/NIAID. Blacksmith investors include Lilly, Evotec A.G., MP Healthcare Partners, MagnaSci Ventures, and Alexandria Venture Investments. For further information, please visit the company's website and LinkedIn. Media Contact: Amy Conrad Juniper Point [email protected] 858-366-3243 SOURCE Blacksmith Medicines

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y., March 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Acurx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ACXP) ("we" or "Acurx" or the "Company"), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing a new class of antibiotics for difficult-to-treat bacterial infections, announced today certain financial and operational results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2023. Highlights of the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2023, or in some cases shortly thereafter, include: In October 2023, we ended enrollment in our Phase 2b clinical trial of ibezapolstat, our lead antibiotic candidate, for the treatment of patients with C. difficile infection, or CDI. In November 2023, we reported top-line data from the Phase 2b clinical trial, including overall results from the full Phase 2 study, demonstrating an ibezapolstat clinical cure rate at end of 10-days' oral treatment, or EOT, of 96% (25 of 26 patients) which included 100% cure in Phase 2a (10 of 10 patients) and 94% in Phase 2b (15 of 16 patients) compared with the vancomycin control arm of 100% (14 of 14 patients) at EOT. No safety concerns were reported in either arm of the Phase 2b clinical trial and ibezapolstat was well tolerated in all patients in both the Phase 2a open label trial and in the Phase 2b vancomycin-controlled segment. In consultation with its scientific advisors, the Company determined that based on review of aggregate blinded data the Phase 2b vancomycin-controlled trial segment was terminated early due to success showing high observed clinical cure rates with no emerging safety concerns. We also stated at that further data would be provided as they become available on secondary and exploratory endpoints from the Phase 2b trial segment, including sustained clinical cure data at 30 days after EOT, and Extended Clinical cure data up to 94 days as well as comparative data on the impact to the patient's microbiome. In December 2023, we announced the sustained clinical cure data. These data showed that in the Phase 2b clinical trial segment 100% or 15 out of 15 patients who were cured at EOT remained cured with no reinfection 30 days later while vancomycin experienced a reinfection rate of 14.3% (2 of 14 patients). In January 2024, the Company announced positive comparative microbiology and microbiome data for ibezapolstat in CDI patients from the Phase 2b clinical trial segment. Ibezapolstat outperformed vancomycin showing eradication of fecal C. difficile at Day 3 of treatment in 15 of 16 treated patients (94%), versus vancomycin which had eradication of C. difficile in 10 of 14 treated patients (71%). Additional data from this Phase 2b clinical trial showed ibezapolstat, but not vancomycin, consistently preserved and allowed regrowth of key gut bacterial species believed to confer health benefits including to prevent recurrence of CDI. The Company anticipates that additional data from the secondary and exploratory endpoints will provide further favorable separation between these two therapeutic options in our Phase 3 clinical trial program and ultimately in the marketplace, if approved. Additional analyses regarding other secondary and exploratory endpoints will be forthcoming as data become available. Having robust preclinical, clinical and manufacturing data-to-date, the Company submitted a formidable Information Package to FDA in February 2024 along with a Request for an End of Phase 2 Meeting which was granted by the FDA and is scheduled to occur in April. We anticipate discussing our Phase 3 clinical trial mandate at this meeting and would anticipate documented meeting minutes from FDA in the second quarter of 2024. The European Medicines Agency (or EMA) approved our application to be designated as a small to medium sized enterprise (or SME) in Europe in February 2024 which provides for certain benefits including fee reductions and other support from the EMA for seeking a Marketing Authorization for Europe. In October 2023, Dr. Kevin Garey presented on behalf of the Company at ID Week with selective spectrum of activity data from our Phase 2a clinical trial. Dr. Garey is Professor and Chair, University of Houston College of Pharmacy, and the Principal Investigator for microbiome aspects of our ibezapolstat clinical trial program. Also at ID Week, Bob DeLuccia, our Executive Chairman, presented our new class of novel DNA pol IIIC inhibitors in our pre-clinical pipeline at the symposium entitled, "New Antimicrobials in the Pipeline." In November 2023, the Company filed an amendment to its shelf registration statement with the SEC and launched a $17 million at-the-market equity offering program (or ATM), with Alliance Global Partners acting as sales agent to the Company. Proceeds from the ATM have been and, in the future, are expect to be used for general corporate purposes going forward including our planned Phase 3 clinical trial mandate. Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Financial Results Cash Position: The Company ended the year with cash totaling $7.5 million, compared to $9.1 million as of December 31, 2022. Subsequent to year-end, the Company sold an additional 1,121,793 shares under its ATM financing program, with gross proceeds of approximately $4.5 million. R&D Expenses: Research and development expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2023 were $1.9 million compared to $1.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022. The increase was due to the timing of Phase 2b trial related costs and an increase in consulting costs. For the year ended December 31, 2023, research and development expenses were $6.0 million versus $4.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase is due primarily to Phase 2b trial-related costs and an increase in consulting costs. G&A Expenses: General and administrative expenses for the three months ended December 31, 2023 were $3.2 million compared to $1.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022. The increase was due primarily to a $0.8 million increase in professional fees, a $0.1 million increase in share-based compensation, and a $0.3 million increase in employee compensation costs. For the year ended December 31, 2023, general and administrative expenses were $8.5 million versus $7.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The amounts reflect an increase in professional fees of $0.5 million, an increase of $0.3 million in share-based compensation, and an increase of $0.3 million in employee compensation costs. Net Income/Loss: The Company reported a net loss of $5.1 million or $0.37 per diluted share for the three months ended December 31, 2023 compared to a net loss of $3.3 million or $0.28 per diluted share for the three months ended December 31, 2022, and a net loss of $14.6 million or $1.15 per share for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to a net loss of $12.1 million or $1.12 per diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2022 for the reasons previously mentioned. The Company had 14,468,229 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2023. Conference Call As previously announced, David P. Luci, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Robert G. Shawah, Chief Financial Officer, will host a conference call to discuss the results and provide a business update as follows: About Ibezapolstat Ibezapolstat is the Company's lead antibiotic candidate advancing to international Phase 3 clinical trials to treat patients with C. difficile Infection (CDI). Ibezapolstat is a novel, orally administered antibiotic being developed as a Gram-Positive Selective Spectrum (GPSS®) antibacterial. It is the first of a new class of DNA polymerase IIIC inhibitors under development by Acurx to treat bacterial infections. Ibezapolstat's unique spectrum of activity, which includes C. difficile but spares other Firmicutes and the important Actinobacteria phyla, appears to contribute to the maintenance of a healthy gut microbiome. In June 2018, ibezapolstat was designated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) for the treatment of patients with CDI and will be eligible to benefit from the incentives for the development of new antibiotics established under the Generating New Antibiotic Incentives Now (GAIN) Act. In January 2019, FDA granted "Fast Track" designation to ibezapolstat for the treatment of patients with CDI. The CDC has designated C. difficile as an urgent threat highlighting the need for new antibiotics to treat CDI. About Acurx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Acurx Pharmaceuticals is a late-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing a new class of small molecule antibiotics for difficult-to-treat bacterial infections. The Company's approach is to develop antibiotic candidates with a Gram-positive selective spectrum (GPSS®) that blocks the active site of the Gram+ specific bacterial enzyme DNA polymerase IIIC (pol IIIC), inhibiting DNA replication and leading to Gram-positive bacterial cell death. Its R&D pipeline includes antibiotic product candidates that target Gram-positive bacteria, including Clostridioides difficile, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin resistant Enterococcus (VRE) and drug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (DRSP). To learn more about Acurx Pharmaceuticals and its product pipeline, please visit . Forward-Looking Statements Any statements in this press release about our future expectations, plans and prospects, including statements regarding our strategy, future operations, prospects, plans and objectives, and other statements containing the words "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," and similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including: whether ibezapolstat will benefit from the QIDP designation; whether ibezapolstat will advance through the clinical trial process on a timely basis; whether the results of the clinical trials of ibezapolstat will warrant the submission of applications for marketing approval, and if so, whether ibezapolstat will receive approval from the FDA or equivalent foreign regulatory agencies where approval is sought; whether, if ibezapolstat obtains approval, it will be successfully distributed and marketed; and other risks and uncertainties described in the Company's annual report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and in the Company's subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and Acurx disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements, except as may be required by law. Investor Contact: Acurx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. David P. Luci, President & Chief Executive Officer Tel: 917-533-1469 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Acurx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

The U.S. plasmid DNA contract manufacturing market size is expected to surpass around USD 849.23 million by 2033 and growing at a CAGR of 19.25% from 2024 to 2033. The market size of plasmid DNA contract manufacturing in the United States was estimated at USD 146.03 million in 2023. The U.S. plasmid DNA contract manufacturing market is driven by the increasing demand for plasmid DNA in various biotechnological applications. The U.S. plasmid DNA contract manufacturing market has witnessed significant growth in recent years, driven by the increasing demand for plasmid DNA in various biotechnological applications. This overview delves into the key factors shaping the market landscape, exploring market trends, major players, and future prospects. Key Pointers By Application, the cell and gene therapy segment held the largest revenue share of 61% in 2023. By Application, the immunotherapy segment is anticipated to experience substantial growth from 2024 to 2033. By Therapeutic Area, the cancer segment generated the maximum market share of 40% in 2023. By End-use, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies contributed the largest market share of 60% in 2023. By End-use, the research institutes segment is expected to expand at the highest CAGR from 2024 to 2033. Get Sample Copy of Report@ U.S. Plasmid DNA Contract Manufacturing Market Growth The growth of the U.S. plasmid DNA contract manufacturing market can be attributed to several key factors. Firstly, the increasing demand for plasmid DNA in the biopharmaceutical industry for the production of therapeutic proteins and vaccines plays a pivotal role. The expanding applications of gene therapies and personalized medicine further fuel the demand for plasmid DNA manufacturing services. Additionally, advancements in genetic engineering technologies and the rise of innovative therapeutic modalities contribute to market growth. Collaborations between pharmaceutical companies and contract manufacturers also foster the market, allowing for cost-effective and efficient production processes. Furthermore, the growing investment in research and development activities within the biotechnology sector amplifies the need for outsourced plasmid DNA manufacturing services, driving sustained market expansion. Full Report is Ready, Get Access@ Plasmid DNA contract manufacturing plays a vital role in the United States for several reasons: Biopharmaceutical Development: Plasmid DNA serves as a crucial component in the development of biopharmaceuticals, including vaccines, gene therapies, and biologics. Contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs) specializing in plasmid DNA production provide the necessary expertise and infrastructure to support the biopharmaceutical industry's needs. Scalability: CMOs offer scalable production capabilities, allowing biotech and pharmaceutical companies to manufacture plasmid DNA at various scales, from preclinical to commercial quantities. This scalability is essential for accommodating the diverse needs of different drug development stages. Regulatory Compliance: Plasmid DNA manufacturing for pharmaceutical use must adhere to stringent regulatory standards set by agencies like the FDA. Contract manufacturers specialize in ensuring compliance with these regulations, offering expertise in current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) to meet quality and safety requirements. Cost-Efficiency: Outsourcing plasmid DNA manufacturing to specialized CMOs can often be more cost-effective than establishing in-house production facilities. CMOs benefit from economies of scale, specialized equipment, and streamlined processes, reducing overall production costs for pharmaceutical companies. Flexibility and Expertise: CMOs bring a high level of flexibility and expertise to plasmid DNA manufacturing. They can adapt to changing project requirements, offer technical support, and employ skilled personnel with experience in molecular biology, cell culture, and bioprocess engineering. Accelerated Timelines: Partnering with CMOs for plasmid DNA manufacturing can accelerate drug development timelines. These organizations are equipped to efficiently execute production processes, enabling faster turnaround times for delivering critical materials to support clinical trials and commercialization efforts. Risk Mitigation: Outsourcing plasmid DNA manufacturing can help mitigate risks associated with production, such as equipment maintenance, process optimization, and regulatory compliance. CMOs assume responsibility for these aspects, allowing pharmaceutical companies to focus on core research and development activities. Global Competitiveness: Access to reliable plasmid DNA contract manufacturing services enhances the global competitiveness of the U.S. biopharmaceutical industry. By leveraging the expertise and infrastructure of CMOs, American companies can remain at the forefront of innovation and drug development in an increasingly competitive market. Supportive Ecosystem: The U.S. provides a supportive ecosystem for biopharmaceutical manufacturing, with government incentives, tax breaks, and grants available to encourage investment and expansion. This supportive environment fosters the growth of plasmid DNA contract manufacturing and strengthens the overall biopharmaceutical industry. U.S. Plasmid DNA Contract Manufacturing Market Trends Rising Demand for Gene Therapies: The market is witnessing a surge in demand driven by the increasing prominence of gene therapies. Plasmid DNA serves as a crucial component in the development of these innovative therapeutic approaches, propelling the contract manufacturing sector. Advancements in Genetic Engineering Technologies: Continuous advancements in genetic engineering technologies contribute to the market's growth. The adoption of cutting-edge techniques enhances the efficiency and scalability of plasmid DNA manufacturing processes, meeting the evolving needs of the biopharmaceutical industry. Expanding Applications in Biopharmaceuticals: Plasmid DNA finds extensive applications in the production of therapeutic proteins and vaccines within the biopharmaceutical sector. This diversification of applications increases the market's significance, with contract manufacturing services playing a pivotal role in meeting the industry's production demands. Increasing Embrace of Personalized Medicine: The trend towards personalized medicine amplifies the demand for plasmid DNA, as it is integral to the development of tailored therapeutic solutions. Contract manufacturers play a key role in facilitating the production of personalized treatments, contributing to market expansion. Growing Research and Development Investments: The biotechnology sector's increasing investment in research and development activities positively influences the U.S. plasmid DNA contract manufacturing market. As companies focus on developing novel therapies, the demand for outsourced manufacturing services continues to grow, fostering market expansion. Application Insights In 2023, the cell and gene therapy segment secured the largest market share at 61%, establishing its dominance and poised for continued growth. This trend is primarily fueled by a surge in clinical trials and subsequent drug approvals within the field. The market's expansion is underpinned by the increasing trust, efficiency, and safety of gene treatments, addressing a spectrum of chronic and genetic disorders. The involvement of Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs) in the development of new plasmid DNA significantly contributes to market growth. A notable example is the collaboration between Ray Therapeutics and Forge Biologics, a CDMO. Their extended partnership in October 2022 focuses on manufacturing clinical-stage plasmid DNA to support Ray Therapeutics' lead optogenetics gene therapy program. Looking ahead, the immunotherapy segment is anticipated to experience substantial growth from 2024 to 2033. This growth is propelled by heightened research and development activities in the realm of immunotherapy. Given the high prevalence of cancer, the adoption rates for novel immunotherapies have soared. A JAMA Oncology report from 2023 reveals adoption rates of approximately 11% and 27% in rural and urban clinical practices in the U.S., respectively. This prevalence is expected to drive the growth of the immunotherapy segment in the forecast years. Therapeutic insights In 2023, the cancer segment emerged as the dominant force in this market, claiming a substantial 40% share. This growth is primarily fueled by the escalating prevalence of cancer and the intensified focus of key industry players on cancer therapeutics. The increasing adoption of cell and gene therapy for cancer treatment is a key driver propelling the expansion of the U.S. plasmid DNA contract manufacturing market. A noteworthy example is Charles River's collaboration with Rznomics, announced in October 2023, to manufacture viral vectors for gene therapy targeting patients with liver cancer. Anticipated to exhibit the fastest growth rate from 2024 to 2033, the infectious segment is propelled by the growing commercialization of plasmid DNA therapeutics for treating infectious diseases. For instance, the collaboration between GeneScript ProBio and RVAC in February 2023 aimed to manufacture a COVID-19 Vaccine plasmid DNA. This partnership seeks to accelerate the clinical manufacturing of RVM-V001 and future mRNA-based vaccines addressing infectious diseases such as Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). End-use Insights In 2023, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies held a commanding share of 60%, asserting their dominance in the market. This growth is attributed to the escalating production of plasmid DNA-based therapeutics throughout the U.S. Key market players are actively engaging in strategic initiatives to enhance plasmid DNA production, contributing significantly to the segment's expansion. A notable example is Charles River Laboratories International, Inc., which, in January 2023, announced the launch of the eXpDNA™ plasmid platform. This innovative platform aims to streamline plasmid manufacturing and production timelines, particularly in the context of gene therapy. The research institutes segment is poised for the fastest growth from 2024 to 2033, fueled by increasing funding for cell and gene therapy-based research. Research institutes play a crucial role in advancing the research and development of cell and gene therapies, responding to the growing demand for plasmid DNA. The combination of augmented funding and the rising demand for plasmid DNA-based therapeutics is set to propel robust growth in this segment within the plasmid DNA contract manufacturing market. As an example, in September 2019, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) disclosed the allocation of 24 grants to researchers across the United States through the Somatic Cell Genome Editing (SCGE) Program. Funded by the NIH Common Fund, this program aims to enhance genome-editing techniques and the manufacturing of genome-editing therapies. U.S. Plasmid DNA Contract Manufacturing Market Key Companies Aldevron Charles River Laboratories Akron Biotech VGXI, Inc. Catalent, Inc DH Life Sciences, LLC Recipharm AB TriLink BioTechnologies AGC Biologics Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. Recent Developments In February 2023, PackGene Biotech announced the expansion of its services with the addition of a new GMP biomanufacturing and processing facility in Houston, Texas. This consists of gene therapy programs and provides economical, reliable, and scalable AAV products. Through this expansion, the company aims to become a one-stop-shop solution provider for gene therapy developers. In January 2023, Catalent announced the new EMA and US FDA-approved pDNA manufacturing facility in Belgium. Through this, Catalent launched a new range of cataloged plasmids to offer support to cell and gene therapy developers. U.S. Plasmid DNA Contract Manufacturing Market Segmentations: By Application Cell & gene therapy Immunotherapy Other application By Therapeutic Area Cancer Infectious Diseases Autoimmune Diseases Cardiovascular Diseases Others By End-use Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies Research Institutes Full Report is Ready, Get Access@ USA - +1 650 460 3308 | IND - +91 93077 85324 OR sales@visionresearchreports.com