Award granted to Neem Biotech to develop antimicrobial intervention for chronic lung infections
Neem Biotech, a Wales based R&D pharmaceutical biotech working in the field of novel antimicrobial drug development, is pleased to announce that it has been granted a Venture & Innovation Award from the UK Cystic Fibrosis Trust to expand its cystic fibrosis programme.
Neem are working on a novel approach to antimicrobial resistance, which involves preventing the formation of and disrupting mature biofilms that are produced by bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. In lung biofilm communities, bacteria are both protected against antibiotics and the host immune system. Elements within the biofilm also impact upon the level of hydration of the lungs in cystic fibrosis.
In people with cystic fibrosis, this translates into a perpetual cycle of inflammation and persistent lung infection with associated damage to lung tissue, reduced lung capacity and increased risk of acute exacerbations resulting in hospitalisations.
Any compound developed using this approach has a different mechanism of action to conventional antibiotics and is designed to be used alongside antibiotics in the treatment of persistent bacterial lung infections in people with cystic fibrosis.
By disrupting the chemical signalling used by these bacteria to form biofilms, it will allow antibiotics to work more effectively and can minimise the impact of phenotypic antimicrobial resistance.
"Neem is delighted to receive this grant. We see the opportunity to work with the UK Cystic Fibrosis Trust to develop a safe and effective treatment regime to manage persistent bacterial lung infections in people with cystic fibrosis as a real opportunity to make a tangible difference to the lives of people living with cystic fibrosis”
Graham Dixon, Chief Executive Officer of Neem Biotech
Paula Sommer, Head of Strategic Innovation at the UK Cystic Fibrosis Trust, said: “As the only UK charity that funds medical research into cystic fibrosis, it will be great to work with Neem Biotech on this important project.
“Antimicrobial drug development is key to helping people with cystic fibrosis as bacterial lung infections cause severe lung damage and impede lung function which is one of the biggest causes of death for people with the condition.”
Source:
