Glasgow, UK, 14 Nov, 2023: Glox Therapeutics, the company at the forefront of crafting precise antibiotic treatments derived from natural bacteriocins, has secured £4.3 million in initial funding. This funding aims to drive the development of highly targeted therapies aimed specifically at combating antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. The company plans to allocate these funds towards setting up laboratories in Oxford and Glasgow while also expanding its team. This strategic move is intended to ramp up the pace of its bacteriocin development initiative. The investment round was spearheaded by Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund and Scottish Enterprise.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents a significant global health emergency, affecting populations worldwide. Reports suggest approximately 1.27 million individuals annually lose their lives due to AMR, resulting from the ineffectiveness of existing antibiotics. Experts forecast a concerning projection: by 2050, AMR could escalate to over 10 million deaths each year worldwide, incurring a staggering cost of $100 trillion. This dire outlook underscores the critical necessity for the rapid development of novel and potent antimicrobial treatments to address this escalating crisis.
Glox Therapeutics is in the process of creating precise antibiotics by using engineered protein bacteriocins. These new antimicrobials are incredibly potent and specific, allowing them to effectively target specific Gram-negative pathogens that have developed antimicrobial resistance (AMR). These include bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Bacteriocins, naturally produced by bacteria, possess antimicrobial abilities against similar strains or related species. By harnessing the potential of bacteriocins, Glox Therapeutics aims to push the boundaries of antimicrobial treatment. Their goal is to tackle resistance issues seen with traditional antibiotics by selectively eliminating target pathogens while safeguarding the patient's microbiomes. This approach ensures a more balanced and efficient treatment plan, minimising potential side effects.
In the company’s press release, Dr James Clark, CEO, Glox Therapeutics said, “Our mission is to provide physicians and patients with highly potent, targeted antimicrobial therapies that can kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria for which there are diminishing options available for treatment’’.
‘‘This seed funding is testament to the promise of Glox Therapeutics’ precise antibiotic therapies, and we are thrilled to have the backing of such high-calibre investors. This will enable us to establish laboratories and attract top-tier talent, and I’m delighted to lead the team as we embark on our pioneering bacteriocin development programme, with the first target being P. aeruginosa,” he added.
With this substantial investment, the company is looking forward to revolutionising antimicrobial therapy by advancing precision antibiotics designed to combat resilient pathogens. This financial support not only underscores investor confidence in Glox's groundbreaking approach but also signifies a promising step towards addressing the pressing global challenge of antimicrobial resistance. As Glox Therapeutics steers ahead with the development of precision antimicrobials, there's hope for a future where effective treatments against drug-resistant bacteria become more accessible, ushering in a new era of healthcare innovation and improved patient outcomes.
