In an innovative initiative aimed at propelling healthcare innovation forward, the Technology Development Board (TDB) has penned an agreement with M/s Peptris Technologies Pvt. Ltd. and the Foundation for Neglected Disease Research (FNDR), Bengaluru on 18^th March. Under the agreement, the Board has sanctioned a grant of ₹75 Lakhs towards the project "ANAGRANINF - Development of a Novel Class of Antibiotics Against Gram-Negative Bacterial-Infections," against the total project cost of ₹1.5 crores.

This collaborative endeavour is believed to foster innovation in the field of healthcare. The project is a joint effort between Indian and Spanish companies, with ABAC THERAPEUTICS SL serving as the Spanish Project Lead. Led by the Department of Science & Technology and the Centre for the Development of Technology and Innovation, E.P.E. (CDTI), the bilateral programme aims to drive market-driven research and technology development while fostering partnerships and business-led collaborative projects between the two nations, thereby propelling innovation in healthcare forward.

The project’s primary objective is to develop a novel lead compound, particularly an antibiotic, adept at inhibiting the FabI enzyme and combatting critical gram-negative pathogens. Harnessing the power of proprietary AI tools and adhering to stringent guidelines such as the eNTRy rules, the project aims to produce a series of compounds that not only exhibit enhanced efficacy but also align with the rigorous criteria laid out by the World Health Organization (WHO) for tackling Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) infections.

The selected hit molecule MMV1578564 has exhibited promising activity against gram-negative pathogens, serving as a foundation for further research and development efforts. Further, the project aims to identify a candidate that meets WHO's innovation criteria, ensuring a new chemical structure, no cross-resistance with existing commercial classes, a novel target, and a novel mechanism of action.

Sh. Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary, Technology Development Board said, “Through this collaborative initiative, TDB reaffirms its unwavering commitment to supporting pioneering research endeavours aimed at addressing critical global challenges such as antimicrobial resistance. The Board remains steadfast in its dedication to facilitating the translation of innovative ideas into tangible solutions for societal benefit.”

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PK/PK/PSM