The two programs, which issue from Affinium’s FabI discovery platform acquired by Debiopharm in February 2014, will lead to the development of narrow-spectrum antibiotics.
As part of the deal, Nobelex will contribute their expertise in microbiology, medicinal chemistry and infectious diseases as well as their knowledge of the platform and experience in the development of new antibiotics.
The deal will see Debiopharm bring its expertise in advancing projects through preclinical and clinical development.
Nobelex chief scientific officer Nachum Kaplan said, "The Nobelex team is excited to join with the entrepreneurial development team at Debiopharm to develop novel specific-spectrum antibiotics, targeting Gram negative fatty acid biosynthesis pathway, which meet the urgent medical need for potent, safe and well-tolerated antibacterials for serious infections."
Debiopharm International chief scientific officer Andrés McAllister said through this collaboration the company strengthens its position in the development of targeted antibiotics.
"These are the first new discovery projects initiated from Affinium’s technology platform since Debiopharm’s acquisition with its two clinical-stage molecules, Debio 1450 and Debio 1452," McAllister said.
"However, we will continue to initiate additional development projects from this rich platform for new narrow spectrum anti-infectives, having the potential to preserve the microbiome and to prevent acquired resistance."