Destiny Pharma (DEST ) has noted the publication of a major Lancet study highlighting that over one million deaths occurred in 2019 due to bacterial Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
The clinical stage innovative biotechnology firm, which is focused on developing medicines to prevent life threatening infections, said AMR is one of the leading causes of death globally.
Neil Clark, Chief Executive Officer of Destiny Pharma, said the report validates “the very real clinical need and potential global commercial opportunity” for Destiny’s XF platform as it delivers clinical candidates that prevent infections whilst addressing the threat of AMR.
The XF drug platform was developed to reduce the chance of bacteria becoming resistant to its action. The Company says the XF platform has advantages over traditional antibiotics.
To date, studies conducted by Destiny Pharma have shown the XF drugs killing bacteria in vitro in less than 15 minutes, a rate which is faster than standard antibiotics currently in use.
It said the platform can kill bacteria in any growth phase, an important feature since bacteria are not always actively growing and XF drugs are able to kill bacteria even when dormant.
In addition, Destiny said further potential benefits include the platform’s ability to kill bacteria within staphylococcal bacterial biofilms as well as to be active against all gram-positive bacteria tested to date and selected gram-negative bacteria in infection-causing strains.
In 2021, The Company announced strong positive results from its Phase 2b clinical study of XF-73 nasal gel, as a new product for the prevention of post-surgical infections such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The primary efficacy endpoint was met with an exceptionally high statistical significance and no treatment related safety events.
Destiny, which concludes that XF drugs have the potential to help address a global health threat, said it continues to progress the most advanced XF clinical candidates through clinical trials “to meet the established clinical need and the significant commercial opportunities.”
Addressing shareholders today, Clark added: “The excellent results from our Phase 2b study demonstrate the potential of our XF-73 nasal gel to prevent post-surgical infections caused by S. aureus, such as MRSA, and we are focused on finalising the Phase 3 clinical trial plans. Additionally, we are testing XF-73 in two dermal infection preclinical programmes.”
Destiny Pharma is in advanced discussions with regulatory authorities in Europe and the US to clarify the design, size and costs of the final Phase 3 clinical trials needed for registration.
The Company said it expects to receive feedback from the European Medicines Authority (EMA) during 1Q this year and from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2Q 2022.
Destiny said it is confident that clarity from a clinical trial will help it negotiate a partner.
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