VitaminBlock SIGNED

Project "VitaminBlock" data sheet

The following table provides information about the project.

 Partnership

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 Project objective

Development of new antibiotics is crucial in future since antibiotic resistance is a rapidly growing problem, which severely threatens our ability to combat infectious diseases. Despite the numerous efforts by International Organisations and Governments, Pharmaceutical companies are reluctant to carry out the costly drug development, as the returns are uncertain and evolving drug resistance weakens their business case further. New solutions are thus called for. We have obtained fundamental insight in the mechanisms and proteins, which mediate uptake of multiple B-type vitamins that are indispensable for bacterial growth. The proteins are the only route for vitamin acquisition in many notorious pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae, against which novel antibiotics are urgently needed. Based on our breakthrough crystal structures, we have designed and synthesized molecules that allosterically inhibit the uptake of multiple vitamins. This has led to the discovery of several compounds having potential as antibiotic medicines. What is exciting, our approach enables to target specific pathogens, without affecting many beneficial strains, thereby being effective without causing adverse drug events, which is a major advantage compared to the traditional antibiotics. In the Proof of Concept project, we aim to explore the potential of the compounds for drug development and test them thoroughly, for obtaining important proof for potential partners and investors. In addition, we will carry out pre-commercialisation studies aiming at perfecting the commercialisation strategy, protecting the IP ad well as strengthen the network for the best possible commercialisation outcome. Given the technological and pre-commercial proof of concept will be successful, we are expecting our approach to raise a lot of interest in Pharmaceutical industry, racing to find new ways to tackle the antimicrobial resistance.