SciFocus/Dec 22, 2024/Startup/Press Release/ — In a significant step toward combating multidrug-resistant bacterial infections, GangaGen, a Bangalore-based biopharmaceutical company, announced the receipt of a $7.9M grant from CARB-X (Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator). This funding will advance the preclinical development of Klebicins, a novel class of targeted protein antibacterials, aimed at treating nosocomial pneumonia caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae.
“The progress made in the optimization of this novel therapeutic demonstrates the potential of targeted protein antibacterials in addressing the urgent global challenge posed by Klebsiella pneumoniae.”
Highlights
- Funding Milestone Achieved:
GangaGen secured its third tranche of funding, totaling $7.9M, from CARB-X to further develop its Klebicin program. - Targeted Innovation:
Klebicins are precision-engineered protein antibacterials designed to target Klebsiella pneumoniae, a pathogen increasingly resistant to antibiotics, including carbapenems. - Global Health Concern:
Carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae has been listed as a critical bacterial pathogen by the WHO due to its role in severe infections, including pneumonia and neonatal sepsis. - Leadership Insight:
- Tanjore S Balganesh, President of GangaGen, emphasized the milestone’s significance in advancing Klebicins to clinical stages.
- Vivek Daniel Paul, CSO, highlighted the potential of Klebicins in addressing the unmet medical need for effective Klebsiella pneumoniae treatments.
- Global Collaboration:
CARB-X funding, supported by organizations like Wellcome, Germany’s BMBF, and the UK’s GAMRIF, underlines a global commitment to fighting antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
The project receives funding from CARB-X and its partners, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Wellcome Trust, and others. The views expressed in this report do not necessarily represent the official positions of CARB-X or its funders.
References
- GangaGen: Website
- WHO Priority Pathogen List: Link
- CARB-X: Learn More
