700192Phico Therapeutics Limited: Analysis of the product opportunities for a novel anti-bacterial platform technologyClosedGRD Proof of MarketInnovate UKAntibiotic resistance is a global healthcare crisis. There are now bacteria which are resistant to every marketed antibiotic and these are spreading around the world (HPA, 2011). The World Health Organisation’s World Health Day in 2011 “Antibiotic resistance – no action today no cure tomorrow” shows development of novel antibiotics that can treat resistant bacteria is desperately needed. Phico Therapeutics has developed a novel antibiotic technology called SASPject, which has the potential to treat any bacterial infection including those caused by the most antibiotic resistant bacteria. SASPject’s active ingredient, SASP, works in a way that means bacteria cannot become immune. The technology also has the unique, characteristic of limiting the spread of existing antibiotic resistance. Hence it could address the urgent medical need for novel treatments against multi-drug resistant bacteria. SASPject technology targets harmful bacteria selectively. For example, Phico has taken its first product, targeted against MRSA for nasal use, successfully through a phase I clinical trial demonstrating a good safety profile. Phico now plans to develop products for systemic use targeted to those multi-drug resistant bacteria responsible for some of the most serious and life threatening infections. This SMART project will underpin Phico’s strategic development by producing a detailed and in depth analysis of the markets for various possible SASPject products. This will allow prioritisation of product development and clinical trial design. Phico Therapeutics is a young biotechnology company with a novel and powerful antibacterial platform technology. Based at Babraham Research Campus, it employs 16 staff, including 9 post-doctoral scientists. The project outcomes will also support a significant round of investment raising in 2013 to enable Phico to take further anti-bacterial products through early clinical trials and ultimately, via pharmaceutical partnerships, to market.