Having demonstrated in previous work that drug-Fc conjugates (DFCs) are a promising treatment alternative for multidrug-resistant (MDR) gram-negative bacteria, researchers from the Center for Discovery and Innovation and Cidara Therapeutics Inc. presented results from the identification of CTC-177, a novel DFC, as a potential immunoprophylactic agent against MDR gram-negative bacterial infections.
Concerns voiced during January’s U.S. FDA advisory committee meeting failed to deter Cidara Therapeutics Inc. from winning approval by the agency March 22 for once-weekly Rezzayo (rezafungin for injection) to treat a pair of indications – candidemia as well as invasive candidiasis (IC) – in adults with limited or no alternatives.
CD73 is known to induce immune evasion in solid tumors by release of immune-suppressive adenosine in the tumor microenvironment. Researchers from Cidara Therapeutics Inc. have presented preclinical data on the CD73 inhibitor drug FC-conjugate CBO-212 for the potential treatment of solid tumors.
Albeit with complaints and provisos, the U.S. FDA’s Antimicrobial Drugs Advisory Committee (ADAC) rubber-stamped Cidara Therapeutics Inc.’s rezafungin, an injectable treatment for candidemia and invasive candidiasis (IC) in adults. Panelists were asked to vote on a single question: “Is the overall benefit-risk assessment favorable for the use of rezafungin for treatment of candidemia/IC in adults with limited or no alternative treatment options?” The balloting turned out 14 yes, one no.
Next week, Cidara Therapeutics Inc. will make its case for rezafungin, an injectable treatment for candidemia and invasive candidiasis in adults, before the U.S. FDA’s Antimicrobial Drugs Advisory Committee. When it convenes Jan. 24, the adcom will vote either yes or no if it believes the overall benefit-risk assessment is favorable for the use of rezafungin for treating candidemia/invasive candidiasis in adults with limited or no alternative treatment options.
Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc. has agreed to pay up to $780 million in up-front, milestone payments and R&D funding for exclusive rights to antiviral conjugates to be developed by Cidara Therapeutics Inc. for the prevention and treatment of seasonal and pandemic influenza.
There are millions of fungal species, but it appears only a few hundred of them cause serious fungal infections that are responsible for an estimated 1.5 million deaths globally each year and are equally as dangerous as bacterial and viral infections. Last week, the U.S. CDC pointed the spotlight on this situation with its Fungal Disease Awareness Week.
The public attention that COVID-19 has received has spilled over to antibiotics companies, and the BioWorld Infectious Diseases index has grown 14% in value since the beginning of the year.