Acurx Receives Grant to Advance Novel Antibiotic Targeting Drug-Resistant Superbugs

NEW YORK, NY – November 18, 2025

Acurx Pharmaceuticals has secured approximately $375,000 in grant funding from Health~Holland to support collaborative research with Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC). The initiative focuses on understanding the structure and function of DNA polymerase IIIC (PolC) across various Gram-positive bacteria, a critical step toward developing a new class of antibiotics to combat the growing threat of multi-drug resistant infections. This research also explores potential applications in biodefense, specifically against pathogens like Bacillus anthracis.

Battling Antibiotic Resistance with a Novel Approach

The escalating crisis of antibiotic resistance demands innovative solutions. Existing antibiotics are becoming increasingly ineffective against common infections, creating a significant public health challenge. Acurx is pursuing a novel approach by targeting PolC, an essential enzyme for DNA replication in Gram-positive bacteria. This mechanism differs from most current antibiotics, which often target cell wall synthesis or protein production, and offers a promising avenue for overcoming resistance. "The need for new antibiotics, especially those with novel mechanisms of action, is critical," explains one industry analyst. "Targeting PolC is a strategic move because it is essential for bacterial survival and offers a unique point of attack.”

Acurx’s strategy focuses on a ‘Gram-Positive Selective Spectrum’ (GPSS®) approach, aiming to develop antibiotics that specifically target Gram-positive bacteria while minimizing harm to the human microbiome. The company's lead candidate, ibezapolstat (IBZ), is currently in late-stage development for Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), a debilitating and often life-threatening intestinal infection. The research funded by Health~Holland will extend this approach to other critical pathogens, including drug-resistant strains of Staphylococcus and Enterococcus.

Unlocking PolC’s Structure for Targeted Drug Design

The research collaboration with LUMC will utilize advanced cryo-electron microscopy and crystallography to determine the precise three-dimensional structure of PolC in various Gram-positive bacteria. Understanding the structure is crucial for designing inhibitors that bind specifically to the enzyme, blocking its function and preventing bacterial replication. “Knowing the structure is like having a detailed map,” says a researcher familiar with the project. “It allows us to design drugs that fit perfectly into the enzyme’s active site, maximizing potency and selectivity.”

This research isn’t just about understanding the structure of PolC in common pathogens. The inclusion of Bacillus anthracis in the research scope highlights the potential for developing countermeasures against bioterrorism threats. B. anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax, is classified as a Category A bioterrorism agent by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), meaning it poses a high risk to national security. A new antibiotic targeting PolC in B. anthracis could provide a critical defense against inhalational anthrax, a particularly dangerous form of the disease.

Acurx’s Pipeline and Financial Outlook

Acurx’s pipeline is centered around its GPSS® approach, with ibezapolstat leading the charge. Phase 2b clinical trials for CDI have demonstrated promising results, with a 94% eradication rate of fecal C. difficile at day three, outperforming vancomycin. The company is preparing to initiate international Phase 3 clinical trials and has received Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) designation from the FDA, which provides incentives for developing new antibiotics.

However, the company faces the typical financial challenges faced by biopharmaceutical companies in the clinical development stage. Recent financial reports show a net loss for the most recent quarter, and the company is actively seeking funding to support its ongoing research and clinical trials. While acknowledging some financial hurdles, Acurx has successfully engaged in multiple financing activities throughout 2025, including registered direct offerings and an equity line of credit.

Dutch Innovation Driving Antibiotic Research

The Health~Holland grant underscores the Netherlands’ commitment to combating antimicrobial resistance and fostering innovation in the life sciences sector. The Top Sector Life Sciences & Health (LSH) actively promotes public-private collaborations to accelerate the development of new technologies and therapies. The grant aligns with the Dutch government’s strategic objectives, including increasing healthy life expectancy and reducing health inequalities.

This latest funding builds upon a previous collaboration between Acurx and LUMC, which secured a similar grant in 2021. The ongoing partnership demonstrates the strength of the Dutch research ecosystem and its ability to attract investment in cutting-edge technologies. One source states, “The Dutch government recognizes the importance of investing in research that addresses global health challenges. This grant is a testament to the quality of research being conducted in the Netherlands and its potential to make a real difference in the fight against antibiotic resistance.