Motif Bio Receives Award for More Iclaprim Testing

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has awarded Motif Bio with $120,000 that will fund in vitro testing for the development of iclaprim to benefit patients with cystic fibrosis who have lung infections.

The studies will focus on the strains of Burkholderia, Stenotrophomonas, and Achromobacter, which are commonly found in the airways of patients with cystic fibrosis. These strains, like many of the bacteria pathogens encountered by individuals with cystic fibrosis, are inherently drug-resistant.

William D. O’Riordan, MD, FACEP, chief medical officer of eStudySite, explained the uniqueness of the antibiotic in the treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSIs) to Contagion^®. “[Iiclaprim] is a very unique mechanism of action, where in the future—we can’t say conclusively–but, it will be very difficult because of its 2 mechanisms for resistance to occur. I think that is a unique feature of this antibiotic.”

Motif Bio plc previously conducted successful clinical trials with iclaprim in patients with bacterial skin infections, as reported by Contagion^®. Preliminary results indicated that although it is as effective as other antibiotics, iclaprim is a safer option compared with vancomycin.

“We are delighted to have received this award from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, a leader in the search for a cure for cystic fibrosis,” David Huang, MD, PhD, chief medical officer of Motif Bio, said in a press release. “Patients with cystic fibrosis, especially in the later stages of lung disease, are often infected with multidrug-resistant bacteria that severely limit treatment options.”