Drug development company Furiex Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:FURX) has licensed an antibiotic compound that could be developed into a new weapon against antibiotic-resistant strains such as Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA.
Morrisville, North Carolina-based Furiex said it has acquired exclusive licensing rights to develop and commercialize JNJ-Q2 through its existing development and license agreement with Janssen Pharmaceutica. Furiex acquired those rights after Janssen decided not to exercise its option to continue development of the compound. Janssen’s website says that after a review of its portfolio in infectious diseases, the company will focus its R&D on antivirals and vaccines and will not invest in development of new antibacterials at this time.
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Furiex Chairman Fred Eshelman said in a prepared statement that Furiex will evaluate strategic partnering and financing options to pay for phase III clinical trials on JNJ-Q2.
Furiex has already completed mid-stage clinical trials studying the compound as a treatment for acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections. A phase II study in patients with community acquired bacterial pneumonia is ongoing. Eshelman said that Furiex will move forward for the skin indication first, adding that the company believes staggering the programs will get the drug to market faster.
JNJ-Q2 would serve the growing need for antibiotics that can treat a broad range of bacterial pathogens. Furiex said that unlike several products for MRSA infections that are administered intravenously, JNJ-Q2 can be administered both orally and via IV.
Depending on progress of the compound in clinical trials and the achievement of regulatory milestones, Furiex may owe future payments to Janssen, and upon approval, sales milestones and royalties.
