Acurx Partners with Leiden University to Decode MRSA Antibiotics — Acurx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Event summary

Acurx Pharmaceuticals partners with Leiden University Medical Center to generate the first-ever 3D structure of PolC from MRSA in complex with DNA and an Acurx inhibitor.
The partnership builds on prior successful research funded by a Health-Holland grant, which elucidated the interaction of ibezapolstat with its molecular target, DNA polymerase IIIC (pol IIIC).
Acurx's DNA PolC inhibitor preclinical product candidates are FDA QIDP and Fast-Track eligible and target Gram-positive infections classified as Serious Threat priorities by CDC.
The collaboration aims to accelerate the development of novel agents systemically active against a range of Gram-positive pathogens resistant to currently available antibiotics.

The big picture

Acurx's partnership with Leiden University Medical Center underscores the urgent need for novel antibiotics to combat resistant Gram-positive pathogens like MRSA. With increasing resistance to last-resort antibiotics, this collaboration could pave the way for a new class of systemically active agents that avoid gut dysbiosis, addressing a critical gap in current treatment options.

What we're watching

Clinical Development: Whether Acurx can leverage the new structural insights to accelerate the development of its DNA PolC inhibitor pipeline, particularly for MRSA and other Gram-positive infections.
Regulatory Pathway: The pace at which ibezapolstat advances through Phase 3 trials and secures FDA approval, given the agency's openness to a single pivotal trial for NDA submission.
Market Differentiation: How Acurx's gut-sparing effects in MRSA-infected mice will position its antibiotics against existing treatments, potentially transforming antibacterial therapy paradigms.