133336Identification of organogold antibiotics for the treatment of respiratory infectionsClosedFeasibility StudiesInnovate UKHospital-acquired bacterial pneumonia (HABP) is the second most common nosocomial infection and is the primary cause of death in intensive care units with a mortality rate of ~30%. With the global spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the fact that no new class of antibiotic has been discovered in over 30 years, patients with drug-resistant lung infections are particularly vulnerable. Auspherix has discovered a novel class of broad-spectrum antibacterials, protected by international patent applications, that are structurally and mechanistically differentiated from existing classes of antibiotics. The compounds are active against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and importantly possess activity against key multi-drug resistant (MDR) clinical isolates relevant to HABP. This project seeks to demonstrate the potential utility of Auspherix’s proprietary compounds for the treatment of HABP. If successful, Auspherix would then be in a position to secure additional funding from venture capital investors to progress into early clinical development and ultimately out-license its asset(s) for HABP. Auspherix is led by an experienced drug discovery management team (CEO, CSO and Director of Chemistry all ex-GSK) with in-house anti-infectives expertise (Associate Director Biology).