MGB Biopharma Succeeds in Developing an IV Formulation of MGB-BP-3 for the Treatment of Systemic Susceptible and Resistant Gram-Positive Hospital-Acquired Infections

GLASGOW, Scotland, June 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

MGB Biopharma at the forefront of addressing the global antibiotic resistance problem 

MGB Biopharma, a biopharmaceutical company developing a truly novel class of anti-infectives, to address the major global problem of antibiotic resistance - announces that it has developed a stable intravenous (IV) formulation of MGB-BP-3, designed for the treatment of systemic susceptible and resistant Gram-positive hospital-acquired infections. 

The intravenous formulation of MGB-BP-3 is currently in late stage pre-clinical development, where it is being assessed in a number of models for tolerability and efficacy against specific Gram-positive bacteria, which can cause many of the most common hospital-acquired infections. The foci of these proof of concept studies have been methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Streptococcus pneumoniae. MGB-BP-3 has been successfully lyophilised, forming a freeze-dried formulation that is suitable for IV administration in aqueous solution.

MGB-BP-3 is a truly novel antibiotic which has been shown to be active against a broad range of important multi-resistant Gram-positive pathogens. The Company has made significant progress in developing an oral formulation of MGB-BP-3 for the treatment of Clostridium difficile that is due to begin a Phase I clinical study in the coming weeks.

Today's announcement comes at a critical time for the antibiotic industry, in light of the latest report from the O'Neill Review on Antibiotic Resistance (14^th May 2015), which highlighted the human and financial costs that society faces as a result of antibiotic resistant infections, one of the world's most pressing global healthcare problems.

Miroslav Ravic, CEO of MGB Biopharma, said: "The development of this new IV formulation is a fantastic breakthrough for MGB. I would like to congratulate all of the team who were responsible for making this possible. With this new formulation we can increase the utility of MGB-BP-3 significantly as it could allow us to provide clinicians with a truly novel antibiotic to treat the multiple resistant systemic Gram-positive infections that cause many deaths and higher morbidity in patients being treated in hospital."

"The figures highlighted in Jim O'Neill's report - and in particular the potential human cost of not addressing antibiotic resistance - are significant. There is a clear need for novel and differentiated products to tackle the growing concern of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). MGB Biopharma is one of the very few companies in the world developing a completely novel class of antibiotic capable of combating AMR."

About MGB Biopharma 

MGB Biopharma, is a clinical stage company developing a truly novel class of anti-infectives. Its lead candidate, MGB-BP-3, is an antibacterial which is active against a broad range of important multi-resistant Gram-positive pathogens. The Company has developed an oral formulation of MGB-BP-3 for the treatment of Clostridium difficile that is ready to enter a Phase I clinical study in the coming weeks. The intravenous formulation targeting the treatment of a range of systemic hospital acquired Gram-positive infections is in late-stage preclinical development.

MGB Biopharma has acquired the proprietary minor groove binder (MGB) platform, developed at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, with exclusive worldwide licensing rights for all anti-infective fields. This platform provides an opportunity to develop various compounds with a completely new mode of action which are distinct from the antimicrobial drugs used in clinical practice today. Consequently MGB-based drugs offer significant advantages over existing anti-infectives, including high activity against Gram-positive pathogens. To-date no resistance to MGB compounds has been observed.

The Company intends to work with partners to fully capitalise on the multiple value creating opportunities offered by its broad and novel anti-infectives platform.

The Company, founded in 2010 and headquartered in Glasgow, Scotland, is backed by Scottish investors including Archangel Investors, Barwell, TRI Cap and the Scottish Investment Bank, Scottish Enterprise.

For more information please visit http://www.mgb-biopharma.com.

For further information, please contact: 

MGB Biopharma 

Miroslav Ravic, Chief Executive Officer
Adam Christie, Chairman,

Or

Dr Dawn Firmin, Head of Project Management
enquiries@mgb-biopharma.com 
+44(0)208-946-0120

Citigate Dewe Rogerson 
David Dible
david.dible@citigatedr.co.uk 
+44(0)20-7282-2949