Antibacterial Drug Development

For some start-ups, keeping pace with Big Pharma's shifting business priorities means following a path of less resistance. New companies are being formed around Big Pharma assets that no longer fit their priorities and market needs; others are fueled by novel discovery approaches based on elucidating and harnessing the power of natural genetic mechanisms.

Although the lack of development success is frustrating to physicians, patients, and payers, that only two new classes of antibiotics have been approved since 2000--the oxazolidone linezolid (Zyvox, from Pfizer Inc. ) and daptomycin (Cubicin, from Cubist Pharmaceuticals Inc. )—continues to be encouraging news to start-up companies. In some cases, new companies are being formed around Big Pharma assets that no longer fit their priorities and market needs: indeed, much of the focus of large-company antibacterial research remains the development of broad-spectrum agents against gram-positive bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Streptococcus aureus (MRSA) and streptococcal pneumonia. At the same time, the potentially large payoffs for success, in the form of collaboration dollars or acquisition, should keep deal values high even for successful niche players.

Pfizer set a new standard for buyouts last year. Intent on expanding its antibacterial franchise, it won the auction for...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Scrip for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required

More from Strategy

Bristol Appoints AstraZeneca’s Massacesi As Next CMO

 

Chief Medical Officer Samit Hirawat will step down to pursue new career opportunities, the company said.

Deal Watch: Novartis Hopes To Ace Inflammatory Disease With Matchpoint Tie-Up

 

Plus deals involving Lilly/Gate Bioscience, Concentra/iTeos, Nicox/Kowa, Ajax/Schrodinger, I-Mab/Bridge Health, Otsuka/Cantargia, JCR/Acumen and more.

Viking Rapidly Advancing Oral And Injectable VK2735 For Obesity

 
• By 

In its Q2 update, Viking reported that Phase III trials of subcutaneous VK2735 are under way, and that it expects Phase II data for an oral formulation before year’s end.

AZ Poised To Bring Self-Administered C5 Inhibitor To Market

 

Gefurulimab will give AstraZeneca a new option to compete against Argenx’s Vyvgart Hytrulo, which is available subcutaneously.

More from Business

AZ Poised To Bring Self-Administered C5 Inhibitor To Market

 

Gefurulimab will give AstraZeneca a new option to compete against Argenx’s Vyvgart Hytrulo, which is available subcutaneously.

Roche Keen To Cut Out The Middle Men On US Pricing

 
• By 

The Swiss giant has been talking to the US government about selling medicines directly to patients.

Leo Looks To Grow In US After Hand Eczema Cream Approval

 
• By 

The Danish medical dermatology specialist doubles boosts its sales force ahead of the launch of Anzupgo.