Recce Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX:RCE, OTC:RECEF) has reported another round of encouraging preclinical results for its lead anti-infective candidate, RECCE® 327 (R327), in a study targeting hospital- and ventilator-acquired pneumonia (HAP/VAP).
The data, generated through an ongoing collaboration with the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI), showed that nebulised R327 delivered directly to the lungs achieved a dramatic reduction in Acinetobacter baumannii — a multidrug-resistant “superbug” known for causing some of the most difficult-to-treat hospital infections.
The company said the latest findings build on prior MCRI work and further underscore the versatility of R327 as a broad-spectrum synthetic anti-infective. Recce has been expanding its clinical and preclinical program throughout 2024 and 2025, including a Phase 3 trial in burn wound infections and an ongoing diabetic foot infection dosing study in Indonesia.
Read more: Recce advances Phase 3 diabetic foot infection trial in Indonesia with first patient dosing
Strong antibacterial response
The latest study evaluated 40 mice across seven treatment groups, comparing intranasal and nebulised R327 against placebo, saline and meropenem, a last-resort antibiotic.
Recce reported that both intranasal and nebulised R327 demonstrated significant reductions in lung bacterial load at 24 hours post-infection. Nebulised delivery achieved a four-log (99.99%) reduction in colony-forming units, with bacterial counts approaching the lower limit of detection — a level consistent with strong local infection control.
The company highlighted a practical advantage for R327: unlike meropenem, which cannot be reliably nebulised due to solubility issues, R327 can be administered as an aerosol, making it potentially suitable for delivery via nebulisers or ventilators in acute hospital settings.
Preliminary reductions in key pro-inflammatory markers were also observed in R327-treated animals, and the therapy was well tolerated in both delivery formats.
‘Real-world advantage’ for severe lung infections
Recce CEO James Graham said the latest results “further validate the versatility of R327” as a potential treatment option for drug-resistant lung infections.
“The potential to administer R327 via nebuliser or ventilator provides a significant real-world advantage in hospital settings, including intensive care and emergency environments where rapid, localised treatment is critical.”
Dr Sohinee Sarkar, lead investigator at Recce’s Anti-Infective Research (AIR) Unit, said the findings add to a growing evidence base supporting R327’s activity against multidrug-resistant A. baumannii — a pathogen recognised globally as a critical priority for new antibiotic development.
Expanding anti-infective research program
Recce and MCRI established a dedicated AIR Unit in 2023 to evaluate R327 across multiple infection models, including respiratory, sepsis and wound indications. Data from these studies feed into formulation optimisation, dose-response modelling and regulatory preparations for both inhaled and topical pathways.
Backed by Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) and Fast Track designations in the US, R327 sits alongside Recce’s broader synthetic anti-infective pipeline, which includes oral candidate R435 and antiviral R529.