CARB-X (Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator) announced today that it is awarding $729,000 to Chicago-based biotechnology company Immunartes to develop a monoclonal antibody designed to prevent Staphylococcus aureus infections.
The antibody is designed to neutralize the immune-evasive mechanisms of S aureus, which is a leading cause of bloodstream infections and is responsible for more than 1 million deaths annually. Of particular concern is methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA), which is one of the five leading contributors to deaths from antimicrobial resistance.
An estimated 30% of people in the United States are colonized with S aureus, which presents a risk for invasive infection, particularly in immune-compromised and older hospital patients. Company officials say the antibody, if successful, could provide immediate protection for high-risk populations by preventing colonization and reducing the risk of recurrent disease.
"We are thrilled to join the CARB-X portfolio and to receive this support for our vision to combat antimicrobial-resistant Staphylococcus aureus through the development of a unique monoclonal antibody," Immunartes CEO Vilasack Thammavongsa, PhD, said in a CARB-X press release.
"Staphylococcus aureus, particularly its methicillin-resistant form (MRSA), remains one of the most critical drivers of antimicrobial resistance worldwide," added Erin Duffy, PhD, Chief of Research and Development at CARB-X. "Immunartes’ approach represents a new way to prevent invasive disease caused by S. aureus, which was identified in our 2023 Strategic Portfolio Review as a top priority."
With the award, CARB-X has now funded 109 early-stage projects designed to prevent, diagnose, and treat antibiotic-resistant bacteria.