Transmids: A Novel Vehicle for Delivery of Polynucleotide Constructs into Bacteria

Nemesis Bioscience Ltd has invented, developed and protected a family of novel biological therapeutic agents that inactivate resistance to antibiotics, so allowing well-established safe generic antibiotics to be effective again. The company has proven in the laboratory that its “Nemesis Symbiotics” convert antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria to antibiotic sensitivity and also prevent bacteria from acquiring AMR – opening the possibility of protecting patients pre-operatively, or even pre-admission, to lower the risks of subsequent AMR infection.

To date, delivery systems into target bacteria have been developed for these symbiotics using different vehicles for either treatment or protection. A single delivery method for both treatment and protection in a clinical setting is essential for regulatory approval, clinical utility, and economic feasibility.

The company has now invented such a delivery mechanism – Transmids. Transmids can be used clinically in the main focus areas of overcoming and preventing AMR without needing separate regulatory approvals. However, the unique properties of Transmids also may make them ideal for use in existing synthetic biology and industrial microbiology applications where manipulation of bacterial genetics is fundamental – for example, the microbial production of biochemicals, biofuels and therapeutics.

All of these applications require specific, efficient delivery of genes into target bacterial cells. The structure and mode of action of Transmids should offer significant advantages over existing methods and the company now needs to explore the commercial and market opportunity for these Transmids.