BioVersys secures an additional CHF 8.4 million to advance clinical studies

BioVersys AG, is a privately held clinical stage, multi-asset Swiss pharmaceutical company focusing on research and development of therapies for life-threatening multidrug-resistant bacterial infections and targeted microbiome modulation. The company is developing a pipeline of novel AMR therapeutic programs, including BV100, a potential breakthrough hospital antibiotic targeting the most drug-resistant bacterial pathogen, Acinetobacter baumannii. Other candidates are BV200, which is being developed for patients with severe hospital-acquired Staphylococcus aureus infections, BV300 is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that represents a novel chemical class known as Pyrrolocytosines, and BVL-GSK098 is a new small molecule for the treatment of tuberculosis that overcomes resistance to ethionamide.

The fresh funds from AMR Action Fund will help advance BioVersys’ clinical study’ of BV100 for the first time in Phase 2 clinical trial in patients with nosocomial pneumonia, including ventilator-associated bacterial pneumonia (VABP). The study will assess the pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy against carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB), where mortality currently reaches 50%.

The AMR Action Fund is the world's largest public-private partnership investing in antibiotics, antifungals, and other antimicrobial treatments. The Fund will invest approximately US$1 billion into clinical-stage biotech companies to help bring new antibiotics to market. The concept of the AMR Action Fund was developed by the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations and its member biopharmaceutical companies, in collaboration with the World Health Organization, the European Investment Bank, and the Wellcome Trust.

“We are proud that BioVersys was selected as the first European-based investment of the AMR Action Fund. This investment is timely as we transition two of our programs into clinical Phase 2. The AMR Action Fund, backed by leading pharmaceutical companies and a global network of scientific and industry experts, will be a valuable partner in our efforts to develop much-needed novel antibacterials for patients in need. We look forward to welcoming the AMR Action Fund to our knowledgeable long-term investor base, which has always been fully-vested in helping to address the global AMR crisis and save lives,” said Marc Gitzinger, Chief Executive Officer and founder of BioVersys.

Martin Heidecker, PhD, AMR Action Fund’s Chief Investment Officer commented: “BioVersys is developing antimicrobials that target some of the most menacing drug-resistant bacteria in the world today, and we are thrilled to welcome the company to our portfolio. The candidates in its pipeline have the potential to significantly improve care for patients suffering from intractable infections for which there are few, if any, effective treatments. We are eager to work with the BioVersys team to help bring these therapeutics to patients.”

In line with the financing round, Carly Levine, PhD, of the AMR Action Fund will join BioVersys’ board of directors.

(Press release/RAN)