Bugworks Partners with GARDP to Accelerate Development of Novel Antibiotic; Set to Receive $20M in Funding

Bugworks partners with the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP) to expedite development of a groundbreaking broad-spectrum antibiotic, BWC0977, designed to combat serious bacterial infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Bugworks, an innovative clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company based in Bangalore, India, has been at the forefront of antibiotic research and development. The innovative first-in-class compound is aimed at treating patients with severe bacterial infections in both critical care and community settings. With its broad-spectrum capabilities, BWC0977 has the potential to tackle conditions such as bloodstream infections, urinary tract infections, intra-abdominal infections, and bacterial pneumonia.These conditions have become increasingly resistant to existing antibiotics, posing a significant threat to global health.

Recognising the urgent need for new treatments, GARDP has committed to supporting Bugworks in advancing the clinical and pharmaceutical development activities of this promising antibiotic compound. Dr. Manica Balasegaram, Executive Director of GARDP, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "We are delighted to be able to accelerate the development of this promising antibiotic compound, by supporting clinical and pharmaceutical development activities, with the hope of getting it to patients where it is most needed."

Bugworks and GARDP are laying the foundation for a comprehensive partnership agreement expected to be finalised by the end of the year. GARDP will commit up to $20 million to ensure a robust development program for BWC0977. These funds will support the advancement of BWC0977 through Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical studies, disbursed based on the achievement of key milestones aligned with GARDP's public health objectives. Moreover, GARDP will play a pivotal role in enabling global access to BWC0977, particularly for populations in high-burden countries that face the most significant unmet medical needs.

Bugworks CEO, Dr. Anand Anandkumar, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, "By leveraging GARDP's unique global AMR network and clinical development expertise, we aim to achieve our goal of 'Go to Globe,' ensuring equitable access to this drug to patients across the planet."

In addition to financial support, GARDP and Bugworks will engage in a joint development and commercialisation project. Bugworks will launch the compound in key markets such as the European Union, United States, Japan, and China, while GARDP will obtain manufacturing and commercialisation rights for BWC0977 in a total of 148 countries, including low- and middle-income countries.

A primary focus of this collaboration is to ensure rapid access and appropriate use of BWC0977 in India, South Africa, and other countries where it can have a significant public health impact. By working closely together, GARDP and Bugworks aim to combat the major causes of death resulting from serious bacterial infections, especially those caused by Gram-negative bacteria that have become resistant to most existing antibiotic treatments.

The collaboration between GARDP and Bugworks builds upon their previous Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in 2020. Over the past year, they have achieved significant milestones, including GARDP's support for a cardiac safety study embedded in the ongoing Phase 1 trial of BWC0977.

As we face the global threat of antibiotic resistance, 3one4 Capital is confident that this partnership, combining the expertise and resources of Bugworks and GARDP, will aid in the development of BWC0977 and revolutionise the field of antibiotics to help countless lives.