The Department of Health and Human Services will invest up to $90 million over five years in a partnership with Rempex Pharmaceuticals to further develop an experimental drug against biothreat pathogens and drug-resistant bacteria.
HHS’ Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority will initially put forth $19.8 million to support Rempex’s research and development of the Carbavance antibiotic, the agency said Wednesday.
“Antibiotic resistance adversely impacts our nation’s ability to respond effectively to a bioterrorism attack and to everyday public health threats,â€Â said Robin Robinson, BARDA director.
“By partnering with industry to develop novel antimicrobial drugs against biothreats that also treat drug-resistant bacteria, we can address health security and public health needs efficiently.”
Rempex is developing Carbavance for biological threats such as melioidosis and glanders, which the HHS says could potentially become resistant to existing antibiotics.
BARDA wants proposals from other pharmaceutical companies to stop antimicrobial resistance and treat infections caused by bioterrorism agents.
