Lytix Biopharma completes two LTX-109 Phase I/IIa studies in MRSA, Gram+ skin infections

The Norwegian pharmaceutical company Lytix Biopharma today announces the successful completion of two Phase I/IIa studies with the topical antimicrobial drug Lytixar^TM (LTX-109) - one for nasal decolonisation of MRSA / MSSA (methicillin-resistant and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria and one for treatment of Gram+ skin infections.

According to Lytix Biopharma CEO Gunnar Sælid, "We are delighted to announce the successful completion of two clinical studies for our novel antimicrobial drug Lytixar^TM (LTX-109). The spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as MRSA in hospitals and the community remains a serious health threat. For the Company this is a Milestone study, providing definitive Proof of Concept for the powerful bacteriological effect of the novel, broad-spectrum, antimicrobial drug Lytixar^TM. We are confident that our results will interest the medical community and we will actively pursue possible industrial partnerships for further drug development."

Preclinical models have demonstrated that Lytixar^TM is bactericidal, being equally effective against wild-type as well as drug-resistant bacteria such as MRSA. Because of its unique membrane-lysing mechanism of action, there is no cross-resistance to other drugs. It has also proven highly unlikely for bacteria to develop new resistance to the drug.

"The current studies clearly show that topical application of Lytixar^TM (LTX-109) to the anterior nares or on infected skin is tolerated and safe. From both of these application areas, there is a negligible systemic uptake. In the nasal decolonisation study Lytixar^TM (LTX-109) clearly demonstrates Proof of Concept in decolonisation of bacteria. This drug has the potential to become a valuable new antimicrobial agent", concludes Dr. Wenche Marie Olsen, COO and Director of Product Development, Infectious diseases at Lytix Biopharma.