Clinical-stage biotechnology company Destiny Pharma PLC (AIM:DEST, OTC:DTTYF) said it will present new microbiological data on one of its lead assets, XF-73, as well as discussing its commercial potential at a meeting of analysts and investors later on Tuesday (17 October).
A new study published in the Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology scientific journal tested how well XF-73 works against a type of bacteria called Staphylococcus, or Staph for short.
The evaluation looked at over 2,500 samples of this bacteria from 33 different countries and 16 different kinds.
The phase III-ready preventative was effective against all breeds tested, even the ones that are usually resistant to antibiotics.
It worked against the particularly tough-to-kill MRSA strain, which is known to cause severe infections. The gel was worked against six other important types of Staph bacteria as well.
The latest data will be the centrepiece of a meeting in the City scheduled for today at 14:00 BST/09:00 EDT, which will include presentations from leading experts in the field of microbiology and healthcare.
Consultant microbiologist professor Mark Wilcox, who serves as the head of research and development in microbiology at Leeds Teaching Hospital, and Richard Proctor, professor emeritus of medicine and medical microbiology and immunology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, will address the issue of surgical site infections and their impact on healthcare systems.
Real-world scenarios from the wards will be presented by Dr Alex Mericli, associate professor and plastic surgeon at MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Mr Raghbir Khakha, consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon at Guy's and St Thomas's Hospital.
An interview with a UK patient who contracted a Staphylococcus aureus infection following surgery for a torn anterior cruciate ligament will also feature in the meeting.
"The potential of XF-73 nasal is one of the reasons I was motivated to join Destiny Pharma in its mission to reduce the emergence and impact of drug-resistant pathogens with preventative solutions," said Destiny CEO Chris Tovey.
"The innovative XF platform includes a blockbuster, $2bn plus opportunity in the US alone, but has also shown utility beyond surgical site infections to address fungal and dermal infections as well.
"Most importantly, it has the potential to play an essential role in protecting vulnerable patients, and in doing so, save lives."