MGB Biopharma and University of Strathclyde Sign New Agreement to Develop Novel MGB Anti-Infectives to Tackle a Key Mechanism of AMR

GLASGOW, Scotland, February 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

New compounds designed to overcome efflux pump mediated bacterial resistance  

MGB Biopharma, a biopharmaceutical company developing a truly novel class of anti-infectives to address the major global problem of antibiotic resistance, and the University of Strathclyde (UoS), today announced that they have agreed terms to extend their collaboration and to a Licence Option Agreement ("Agreement") that aims to develop novel MGB anti-infectives designed to overcome efflux pump mediated bacterial resistance, commonly seen in Gram-negative pathogens.  The Agreement provides MGB Biopharma access to additional intellectual property (IP) owned by UoS relating to DNA Minor Groove Binders.

MGB Biopharma has already acquired rights to the proprietary minor groove binder (MGB) platform, developed at the UoS, with exclusive worldwide licensing rights for all anti-infective fields. UoS has been carrying out further research to develop anti-infectives intended to provide and/or modify DNA Minor Groove Binders with an ability to overcome/prevent efflux pump resistance as drug development candidates. This Agreement provides MGB with anti-bacterial and anti-fungal rights to the IP arising from this research.

Miroslav Ravic, CEO of MGB Biopharma, said: "We are delighted to be extending our relationship with the University of Strathclyde and to be in a position to progress its important research into a key mechanism of antibacterial resistance.  This new Agreement will allow MGB biopharma to expand our anti-infectives portfolio by initially adding novel compounds targeting susceptible and resistant Gram-negative pathogens to add to our lead compound MGB-BP-3 which is effective against Gram-positive bacteria.  Today's agreement is a further important step for MGB Biopharma as we work to tackle antimicrobial resistance by bringing a number of truly novel antibiotics to market as quickly as possible."

Professor Colin Suckling, Research Professor at Strathclyde's Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, said: "We have been pleased to see the successful completion of the Phase 1 clinical trial for our lead compound for C Diff treatment. This has been made possible by the hard work of MGB Biopharma and we are now delighted to be able to continue our partnership with the company in the discovery and development of novel antibacterial and antifungal agents."

About Efflux pumps 

Efflux pumps are transport proteins involved in the expulsion of toxic substrates (including virtually all classes of clinically relevant antibiotics) from within cells into the external environment. These proteins are key resistance mechanism in Gram-negative bacteria.

About MGB Biopharma 

MGB Biopharma is a clinical stage company developing a truly novel class of anti-infectives. Its lead candidate, MGB-BP-3, is an antibacterial which is active against a broad range of important multi-resistant and susceptible Gram-positive pathogens. The Company has developed an oral formulation of MGB-BP-3 for the treatment of Clostridium difficile. The Phase I study is complete, and MGB are now progressing with Phase II activities. An intravenous formulation targeting the treatment of a range of systemic hospital acquired Gram-positive infections is in late-stage preclinical development, and a topical formulation for the treatment of serious skin infections showed encouraging efficacy data.

MGB Biopharma has acquired rights to the proprietary minor groove binder (MGB) platform, developed at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, with exclusive worldwide licensing rights for all anti-infective fields. This platform provides an opportunity to develop various compounds with a completely new mode of action which are distinct from the antimicrobial drugs used in clinical practice today. Consequently many MGB-based drugs offer significant advantages over existing anti-infectives, such as MGB-BP-3, which exhibits high efficacy against many multi-drug susceptible and resistant Gram-positive pathogens. To-date no resistance to MGB compounds has been observed.

The Company intends to work with partners to fully capitalise on the multiple value creating opportunities offered by its broad and innovative anti-infectives platform.

The Company, founded in 2010 and headquartered in Glasgow, Scotland, is backed by Scottish investors including Archangel Investors, Barwell, TRI Cap and the Scottish Investment Bank, Scottish Enterprise.

For more information please visit http://www.mgb-biopharma.com.

About the University of Strathclyde 

The University of Strathclyde is a leading international technological university located in the heart of Glasgow, Scotland's biggest city. Its commitment to useful learning guides its research, learning and teaching - and the way it works with businesses and organisations.

Research is of central importance in everything Strathclyde does. It informs the University's teaching and helps it to make a difference to business, industry and society as a whole. The University's Technology & Innovation Centre - which also boasts some of the most modern, flexible conferencing facilities in Glasgow - is transforming the way Strathclyde works with partners. Strathclyde's advances in research output and quality have been significant. It is now among the 20 top research intensive universities in the UK, as shown in latest Research Excellence Framework (REF).

The University's reputation and influence is global, yet it is an institution firmly grounded in the heart of Glasgow. Strathclyde contributes to the social, cultural and economic life of Scotland through the presence of a vibrant, international student community, as a major employer and by proactive engagement with the city leadership to drive Glasgow's growth.

Established in 1796 by Professor John Anderson 'for the good of mankind' and with the purpose of being 'the place of useful learning', Strathclyde is the only higher education institution to be established in Scotland during the Enlightenment.

For further information, please contact:

MGB Biopharma                  
Miroslav Ravic, Chief Executive Officer            
Or                            
Dr Dawn Firmin, Head of Project Management        
enquiries@mgb-biopharma.com    
+44(0)208-946-0120                

Citigate Dewe Rogerson
David Dible, Sylvie Berrebi, Pip Batty
david.dible@citigatedr.co.uk
+44(0)20-7282-2949