Procarta Biosystems, a UK developer of antibiotics capable of combating drug-resistant bacterial infections, has received further investment of £500,000 from Morningside Venture Investments and IP protection, and is poised to expand its research programme and grow its science team, moving closer to launching a commercially viable product.
Dr Michael McArthur, CSO of Procarta Biosystems, a spinout from the John Innes Centre on Norwich Science Park, says: ‘It is becoming recognised among investors and grant funders that something must be done about the challenge of antibacterial resistance. What we can offer is a genuinely novel and potent approach that can be rapidly developed to treat numerous bacterial infections, for which the number of effective treatments is dwindling.
‘The recent granting of the patent in the EU – which we expect to go worldwide – protecting our use of this new class of antibacterials is a huge step forward for the company.’
Procarta is working on a new type of DNA-based antibiotics capable of tackling infections caused by bacteria that have become resistant to conventional drugs.
What we can offer is a genuinely novel and potent approach that can be rapidly developed to treat numerous bacterial infections
‘Snare’ antibacterials interfere with the metabolism of the bacteria by targeting a small region of a bacteria’s DNA, known as a transcription factor binding site. Under normal circumstances, a transcription factor would bind to this region and control the activity of important genes. However, Procarta’s technology blocks these sites, preventing the transcription factor from binding and thus halting essential processes in the bacteria. This mechanism of action means that it would be virtually impossible for a pathogen to develop resistance to the antibacterial.
The approach has proven to be successful against MRSA and is now in pre-clinical development. It is also being adapted to treat a range of pathogens that constitute a substantial threat to the way we practise modern medicine.
Matthew Jones, chief operating officer of Norwich Research Park, said: ‘Procarta is a spin-out from the John Innes Centre and has expanded within the Norwich BioIncubator. The additional funding will allow it to collaborate actively with other partners on the Park.
‘The new funding is vital as it will help take the company a step closer to becoming profitable through licensing its technology.’
