Infection site targeting, antibiotic encapsulated in nanoparticles for treating extracellular bacterial infections

The scope of the action would be threefold: (1) to identify a bacterium or infection site targeting ligand (small molecule preferred); (2) to incorporate this ligand into a nanoparticle system which can be retained selectively in infected tissues for long periods; (3) to encapsulate an appropriate antibiotic into the targeted nanoparticle and confirm improved efficacy over the free antibiotic and non-targeted encapsulated antibiotic, driven by higher local concentration at the infection site, in addition to other criteria such as reduced toxicity or side effects, longer half-life, etc.

The Portfolio Building Network (PBN), Pillar C of the IMI2 JU AMR Accelerator programme, will address the limited pipeline of treatments and preventions for AMR infections by enabling vibrant and nimble collaborations between EFPIA companies and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and/or academics that will advance the R&D pipeline of new and innovative agents to address AMR.

The expected impact of actions selected under this Call will be to: (1) contribute to the development of a vibrant AMR research environment in the EU and strengthen the competitiveness and industrial leadership of Europe; (2) contribute to the EU’s ambition of being a ‘best practice region’ for addressing AMR; (3) enhance the overall pipeline of medicines for patients with AMR infections and advance new and innovative agents.