Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a bacterium responsible for several difficult-to-treat infections in humans. MRSA is especially troublesome in hospitals and nursing homes where patients with open wounds, invasive devices and weakened immune systems are exposed to the bacterium and are at greater risk of infection.
MRSA causes aproximately 100,000 infections worldwide per year, 20% of which are fatal. MRSA has historically been the pathogenic strain that has generated more attention in the pharmaceutical industry throughout its history, and is a serious problem in both developed and lesser developed countries.
At a European level all countries have detected the presence of MRSA in hospital systems, with highest prevalence in Mediterranean countries, where rates can reach 50%. Prevalence rates as high as 60% were reported in the United States in 2009. Developing countries and emerging markets have rates that can far exceed these.
Objectives
Exploit Omnia's platform to develop 3 distinct families of chemical entities to pre-clinical proof of concept, lead selection and patent filing.
Based on current progress, Omnia will deliver proof of efficacy in an animal model (mouse) for a pre-clinical lead candidate and at least one back-up from a different chemical family by Q4 2011.
Lead compounds will be offered for co-development with pharma industry partners.
Partners
Instituto de Química Avanzada de Cataluña (IQAC-CSIC)
Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB)
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Our lead program is progressing 3 families of compounds against MRSA with candidate compounds entering proof-of-concept in our animal model