We need new classes of antibiotics because multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria are threatening our ability to treat infectious disease. The UK government estimates that without new antibiotics infectious disease will cost the global economy $100 trillion by 2050. Discuva’s innovative (and proprietary) technology (SATIN) is a proven platform for the discovery of new antibiotics; SATIN has already delivered new antibacterial compounds with novel mechanisms-of-action and within our lead programme clinical trials are planned in 2017 for the treatment of MDR gonorrhoea. This project will use this UK invented technology to deliver improved antibiotics which are both highly active against some of the most resistant bacteria causing disease and have a reduced likelihood of selecting resistance compared to conventional antibiotics. This will address the issue of clinical failure associated with the most resistant and life-threatening bacterial infections including E. coli. Ultimately, this project has potential for significant benefits to patients, the NHS (and health care systems globally), and the antibiotc research community.

Discuva’s technology provides a powerful platform to discover new classes of antibiotics which have major advantages over conventional antibiotics; reduced development of resistance, fewer side effects and longer market life. Small molecule antibiotics are first identified by high-throughput phenotypic screening of specialised compound collections. The robust proprietary platform technology is then used to identify the molecular target(s) and all genes associated with the development of resistance. The platform, which represents a major leap forward in antibiotics research, ensures that the antibiotics pursued into optimisation are those which have the best chance of reaching the clinic. Discuva has established its platform, identified initial hits against major Gram -ve pathogens and initiated discussions with Pharma. The objective is to progress compounds to lead status creating commercially attractive candidates ready for optimisation and development.