Technology Development Board Collaborates with Peptris Technologies & FNDR for AMR

The project utilizes proprietary AI tools and follows strict guidelines, like the eNTRy rules, to develop compounds meeting WHO criteria for AMR infections.

In a recent development, the Technology Development Board (TDB) has partnered with Peptris Technologies and the Foundation for Neglected Disease Research (FNDR), Bengaluru, to address critical global challenges such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Under the agreement, TDB has allocated a grant of INR 75 Lakhs towards the project "ANAGRANINF - Development of a Novel Class of Antibiotics Against Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections," with a total project cost of INR 1.5 Cr.

This funding aims to support the development of innovative solutions for combating gram-negative bacterial infections, which pose a significant threat to global health.

The project represents a joint effort between Indian and Spanish companies, with ABAC THERAPEUTICS SL serving as the Spanish Project Lead.

Led by the Department of Science & Technology and the Centre for the Development of Technology and Innovation, E.P.E. (CDTI), this bilateral program aims to drive market-driven research and technology development while fostering partnerships and business-led collaborative projects between India and Spain.

Key Focuses

The primary objective of the project is to develop a novel lead compound, particularly an antibiotic, capable of inhibiting the FabI enzyme and combating critical gram-negative pathogens.

Leveraging proprietary AI tools and adhering to stringent guidelines such as the eNTRy rules, the project aims to produce compounds with enhanced efficacy, meeting the rigorous criteria outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO) for tackling AMR infections.

Moreover, the selected hit molecule, MMV1578564, has demonstrated promising activity against gram-negative pathogens, laying the foundation for further R&D efforts.

Additionally, the project aims to identify a candidate that meets WHO's innovation criteria, ensuring a new chemical structure, no cross-resistance with existing commercial classes, a novel target, and a novel mechanism of action.

Sharing thoughts, Rajesh Kumar Pathak, secretary, Technology Development Board, said, "Through this collaborative initiative, TDB reaffirms its unwavering commitment to supporting pioneering research endeavours aimed at addressing critical global challenges such as antimicrobial resistance. The Board remains steadfast in its dedication to facilitating the translation of innovative ideas into tangible solutions for societal benefit."

The collaboration between TDB, Peptris Technologies, and FNDR underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in driving healthcare innovation.

Further, the project aims to develop groundbreaking solutions to combat antimicrobial resistance and improve global health outcomes by leveraging expertise, resources, and innovative technologies.

As the project progresses, stakeholders remain optimistic about the potential impact of the developed antibiotics in addressing the growing threat of gram-negative bacterial infections.

With continued support from TDB and collaborative efforts from all partners involved, the project is poised to make significant strides in healthcare innovation and contribute to global efforts in combating antimicrobial resistance.

In a similar development towards addressing AMR, Hyderabad-based startup SCIINV Biosciences and World Trade Centre (WTC)-Shamshabad, India, inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in December last year.

The collaboration aims to harness the power of digital diagnostics in the fight against AMR, leveraging SCIINV BioSciences' AI/ML-led clinically validated digital diagnostic tool, AMRx.

Addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by antimicrobial resistance, in another development, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) extended an invitation for Expression of Interest (EOI) from medical professionals in tertiary care hospitals.

This is to initiate a collaborative effort to expand the scope of its AMR surveillance network to encompass secondary-level hospitals. This move by the ICMR is a strategic step in intensifying the battle against the growing threat of AMR.