KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 11 -- Aptorum Group Limited (Aptorum Group) has announced further positive data from its current investigational new drug (IND)-enabling studies for ALS-4, a small drug molecule candidate indicated for the treatment of infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus).
This includes methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA, one of the super-bugs), based on a novel anti-virulence non-bactericidal approach.
According to a statement, subject to completion of the current studies, Aptorum Group targets to submit IND for ALS-4 in second half of this year and commence a phase 1 trial in North America.
ALS-4 is a small molecule which inhibits dehydrosqualene desaturase of S. aureus (incl. MRSA), an enzyme that is critically involved in the biosynthesis of staphyloxanthin, a commonly visible ‘golden pigment’ covering the bacteria.
Staphyloxanthin is believed to be primarily responsible for the bacteria’s defence mechanism against the attack from reactive oxygen species deployed by phagocytic cells and neutrophils.
Specifically, MRSA infections in humans typically exhibit high rates of morbidity and mortality and can cause metastatic or complicated infections such as infective endocarditis or sepsis, with relapse and hospital readmission after S. aureus bacteremia common and costly.
-- BERNAMA
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