Bugworks’ Antibiotic BWC0977 Targets Resistant Pathogens

Bugworks Research Inc’s antibiotic, BWC0977, is making waves in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) with its unique approach. Bala Subramanian, PhD, COO and head of R&D at Bugworks, recently shed light on the antibiotic’s distinctive features and development progress during a panel discussion on leveraging partnerships for antimicrobial advancements.

It targets DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV, two essential enzymes in the replication machinery. Unlike traditional fluoroquinolones, BWC0977 interacts with different sites on these enzymes, allowing it to be effective against not only fluoroquinolone-resistant strains but also other known mechanisms of resistance.

“Simply because it’s a novel mechanism, and so the preexisting resistance, such as, towards the beta lactams, carbapenems, none of that would matter here, because it has a completely different mechanism, and it’s a truly broad spectrum. That’s what differentiates this novel compound, it works against all gram negatives, gram positives, atypical bacteria, pathogens which are implicated in bioterrorism. It has a very wide repertoire in terms of the bugs that it targets, that’s what differentiates it,” Bala stated.

To enhance BWC0977’s accessibility in low- and middle-income countries, Bugworks has partnered with the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP). “It’s an amazing partnership, I have to say,” Subramanian remarked. “What this partnership brings to us is, crucial funding, but it also brings expertise in clinical development, particularly in the area of chemistry, manufacturing, and control (CMC).” In exchange, Bugworks has granted GARDP access to the licensing for 146 countries. “GARDP will be able to utilize their resources to push through registration and access in these regions,” Subramanian added. This collaboration is important for reaching areas where the drug is most needed, something Bugworks could not achieve without help.

BWC0977 has recently completed its single ascending dose phase in healthy volunteers and is poised to begin the multiple ascending dose phase. “Currently, this drug has completed the single ascending dose in healthy volunteers. It is now about to start the multiple ascending dose phase,” Subramanian explained. The drug will be administered intravenously over a duration of seven days, twice daily.

Additionally, BWC0977 is being developed in an oral form, a feature that is rare among new antibiotics. “The same compound, BWC0977, is also coming in its oral form,” Subramanian noted. This dual formulation will enable critical care patients to switch from intravenous to oral medication, improving convenience and discharge options. The oral formulation is expected to enter first-time-in-human studies next year.

Bugworks’ efforts with BWC0977 mark an advancement in addressing the pressing issue of antimicrobial resistance, supported by strategic partnerships and ongoing development.