AMR Bio, a portfolio company of EMV Capital (AIM:EMVC, FRA:NTK1), the AIM-listed deep tech and life sciences investment group, is preparing its XF-73 antimicrobial asset for a phase III clinical trial targeting the prevention of post-surgical infections.
XF-73 is a first-in-class topical antimicrobial designed to rapidly eliminate harmful bacteria before surgery, with a Phase 2b trial having previously demonstrated a 99.5% reduction in bacterial nasal carriage across 124 open heart surgery patients.
EMV acquired the XF-73 asset and associated intellectual property from Destiny Pharma in September 2025 through its Moirai Acquisitions vehicle, which was subsequently renamed AMR Bio.
It led a roughly £1.3 million funding round to support the establishment of the new company's team and commercial strategy.
The transferred assets include an Investigational New Drug application for XF-73 Nasal, a pre-IND for XF-73 Dermal, a Qualified Infectious Disease Product designation, and FDA Fast Track status.
Cardinal Health has been appointed as AMR Bio's US regulatory agent to advance the FDA submission process.
In the UK, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency has granted Accelerated Access status for XF-73 under its Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway, supporting a faster route to market.
AMR Bio's near-term priorities include obtaining FDA guidance for the phase III pathway, developing the manufacturing roadmap and budget, and exploring partnerships for the clinical studies and commercialisation.
The team is also investigating a dermal gel application for severe wounds and skin infections, including diabetic ulcers and trauma-related wounds, which would open an additional commercial pathway.
The global surgical site infections market was valued at $8.37 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow to $17.95 billion by 2034, while the broader wound care market is estimated to exceed $20 billion globally.
AMR Bio estimates potential peak sales of up to $1 billion a year across breast, cardiac and orthopaedic surgery patients in the US alone.
The management team is led by executive chair Nigel Brooksby, who has held senior positions at Pfizer and Sanofi, and brings more than 50 years of combined expertise in antimicrobial development.
Dr Ilian Iliev, chief executive of EMV Capital, said: "AMR Bio's mission is focused and urgent. Its XF-73 asset represents a highly compelling investment opportunity with significant clinical and commercial potential, addressing the silent pandemic affecting every country and region."