Antibacterial agents with novel mode of action; challenging the global threat of antimicrobial resistance

The emergence of new human pathogens and increasing antimicrobial resistance in well-established pathogens are critical public health concerns. New classes of antimicrobials with novel mechanisms of action are urgently needed. We have developed a propri ety screening assay, SF53, to identify antibiotic candidates that target the essential bacterial replication protein, DnaA. This a novel target for development of anti-microbial drugs. In collaboration with the Italian company, Ktedogen and DDL in Oslo, w e wish to initiate a R&D project with the long term goal of finding new candidate drugs. This will represent new class(es) of antibiotics, inhibiting DNA replication in microorganisms and may constitute a novel group of antibacterial drugs that can po tentially target all types of bacteria. This is a revised application. Since submission of the application in October, we have realized that it will take longer time than anticipated to characterize suitable hits from the screening. The project has ther efore been revised and we will need 2009 for characterization as well as further screening of the Actinomycetes library in Italy. We plan for a go no-go milestone at the end of 2009. This will be the phase with the highest risk. Due to the financial si tuation, it has not been possible to get external investors at this early stage of the development program. DnaAcos contribution for 2009 will, as a consequence, be reduced compared to the initial application. However, Ktedogen will participate with a higher contribution. For 2009 we apply for a contribution form the Research Council of KNOK 1500 and for the 3-year project period, an unchanged total contribution of KNOK 6150. This will be close to 40% of the total expenses. We are aware that this is a higher amount than normally supported by the Research Council. However, due to the general international financial situation we hope that this can be accepted.