Galapagos has identified new class of antibiotics targeting drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains and commenced clinical development of first antibiotic.
The selected candidate, CAM-1, was effective against all tested MRSA along with hospital and community acquired MRSA strains than current standard antibiotics.
Mode of action of the new class of antibiotics is the inhibition of DNA pol III alpha enzyme that is vital for bacterial growth and present in all bacteria but not in humans.
Galapagos chief scientific officer Dr Piet Wigerinck said, "Our antibiotics have a novel mode of action which brings all tested MRSA strains to a complete halt. Combined with a diagnostic test, these compounds could bring a real solution to MRSA infections."
Company targets entering into clinic in the first quarter 2014 followed by a proof of concept study.
