Debiopharm Group, a Switzerland-based global biopharmaceutical company developing prescription drugs that target unmet medical needs including anti-infective and oncology therapeutics as well as companion diagnostics, and Nobelex Biotech, a Canadian company focusing on the discovery and early development of novel antimicrobial drugs, are collaborating on two discovery programs to develop antibiotics targeting Neisseria gonorrhoeae and enteric species utilizing a novel mechanism of action.

These programs, which issue from Affinium's FabI discovery platform acquired by Debiopharm in February, will lead to the development of narrow-spectrum innovative antibiotics. Nobelex, recently founded by Affinium's former management, will contribute its experience in microbiology, medicinal chemistry and infectious diseases, as well as knowledge of the platform and experience in the development of innovative antibiotics. Debiopharm will advance projects through preclinical and clinical development.

"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," said Nachum Kaplan, chief scientific officer of Nobelex.

"Debiopharm 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. 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," said Andres McAllister, chief scientific officer, Debiopharm International.