TAXIS Pharmaceuticals, Inc., has obtained the support of the Division of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (DMID), part of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), for the continued development of TXA-709. TXA-709 is an FtsZ disruptor, small molecule prodrug antibiotic with potent antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA), and linezolid-resistant S. aureus strains (LRSA). The DMID is collaborating with TAXIS to provide nonclinical services that support the continued development of TXA-709, starting with the conduct of the induction, inhibition, and drug transporter studies with TXA-709 and TXA-707. The metabolism studies are estimated to be valued at $140,000. A phase 1 first-in-human dose-escalating single-ascending dose and multiple-ascending dose clinical study is currently being conducted in Australia. The conduct of these nonclinical studies will support the submission of an US investigational new drug application (IND) and initiation of a phase 1 combination study and phase 2 clinical study under the IND.
