In line with its strategy to focus in on its cancer and fibrosis pipeline, Redx Pharma Plc (AIM:REDX) has found a prospective partner for its next-generation anti-biotics.
For the drug developer has signed an option and licence agreement with Deinove of France that effectively outsources its novel bacterial topoisomerase inhibitor (NBTI) programme.
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The nuts and bolts of the deal are as follows: Deinove has a nine-month period to assess the NBTI portfolio for further development.
Option deal
Redx will receive a “fee and a payment” once the option has been triggered. Financial details were not disclosed.
Deinove, a biotech that develops high value drugs and other products from rare bacteria, will begin immediately confirmatory and profiling work with the compounds in the RedX programme.
Researchers are hoping to find a drug candidate to combat multi-drug resistant Gram negative bacteria.
Rise of super-bugs
The rise of super-bugs that are immune to traditional antibiotics is now generally regarded as a pressing threat and certainly one that developed economies and the World Health Organisation are taking seriously.
RedX chairman Iain Ross said: "We are very pleased to have partnered our NBTI programme with Deinove, who are committed to the development of anti-infectives and whose team has a proven track record of bringing products to market.
“With their experience in this area, we hope that they can successfully progress our NBTI programme towards the clinic.
“We had previously indicated our commitment to progressing anti-infectives research through a collaboration in the near term and are delighted to be making this announcement on schedule."