Destiny Pharma (DEST ), a clinical stage biotechnology company, noted the publication in Microbiology Spectrum of data generated from a CDI model study on the ability of NTCD-M3 to successfully colonise the gut following administration of fidaxomicin.
NTCD-M3 is Destiny Pharma's flagship asset for the prevention of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) recurrence.
As previously reported, a Phase 2 clinical trial in patients suffering from CDI has already demonstrated that administration of NTCD-M3 successfully reduced the recurrence of CDI from 30% in placebo to 5% in treated patients.
Since the end of that trial, fidaxomicin, a new antibiotic, has been added to US clinical guidelines for treating CDI. It was feared that fidaxomicin could potentially inhibit colonisation by bacteria such as NTCD-M3.
The publication in Microbiology Spectrum from research completed by Microbiology Research Laboratory in the US, concluded that NTCD-M3 was able to effectively and fully colonise the gut following fidaxomicin administration, indicating that NTCD-M3 would be effective in patients receiving the antibiotic, as well as older antibiotics, such as vancomycin and metronidazole.
View from Vox
A short but important update from Destiny Pharma, confirming that NTCD-M3 is not affected by fidaxomicin as was feared by some after its recommendation by US guidelines as a first treatment of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI).
The demonstration of a successful and complete colonisation of the gut by NTCD-M3 post‑fidaxomicin, confirms that Destiny's flagship product can be used alongside all currently recommended antibiotics in the treatment of the serious hospital infection.
In February, Destiny announced a collaboration and co-development agreement with Sebela Pharmaceuticals, a US pharma specialising in gastroenterology, for the North American rights of NTCD-M3. The agreement significantly derisked the development and commercialisation of NTCD-M3 while removing the need for Destiny to further invest in the asset.
Moreover, the agreement will yield Destiny milestone payments worth up to US$570m plus significant royalties. Any outcome will represent a material ROI in the 2 years since acquisition of NTCD-M3.
A related £8m capital raise, completed in February, ensured that Destiny would complete its remaining obligations for the preparation of NTCD-M3 Phase 3 clinical trials. The Phase 3 trials are expected in 2024. The fundraising also provided capital for the development of Destiny's other lead asset, XF-73 Nasal, which has already completed a positive Phase 2b clinical trial and is moving toward final Phase 3 studies.
Destiny is currently funded through at least late 2024.
Follow News & Updates from Destiny Pharma: