Destiny Pharma (DEST), a clinical stage biotechnology company, issued an update on its XF-73 Nasal candidate for the prevention of post-surgical infections. The update follows a meeting of the company's Scientific Advisory Board plus a number of international experts from the UK and US.
The panel endorsed XF-73 Nasal's Phase 3 development pathway, stating that the programme, consisting of two placebo-controlled surgical Phase 3 studies with a clinical endpoint, reflected the utility of XF-73 Nasal in all surgeries. XF-73 Nasal has been designed with input from the US FDA and EU EMA.
The panel concluded that XF-73 Nasal's rapid antimicrobial action gives greater flexibility in the scheduling of surgeries than existing offerings, providing direct value to patients and institutions.
New potential life cycle management indications were also discussed, particularly in children, where there are concerns over the use of mupirocin and antiseptic approaches and a high unmet medical need remains.
Overall, XF-73 Nasal is shaping up to be a potent and disruptive tool in surgical treatment. Its fast action can be especially useful in emergency cases and in avoiding rescheduling of appointments, i.e. maximising hospital efficiency. XF-73 Nasal can also play a larger role in antibiotic stewardship by reducing the need for post-operation systemic antibiotics. Additionally, the treatment could prevent horizontal transmission of S. aureus.
Surgical site infections are serious, potentially life-threatening complications, affecting large numbers of patients. They are a strain on healthcare systems, costing approx. US$10bn a year in the US alone. As such, there is significant unmet demand anticipated for XF-73 Nasal. Market analysis on the candidate, undertaken by Destiny and its consultants between 2018 and 2022, showed a potential worldwide market of US$2bn.
In December 2022 Destiny reached an agreement with the FDA and EMA on a clinical trial plan, which is now being realised. The plan should result in a broad label for XF-73 Nasal, with many interested parties already in discussions with Destiny regarding commercialisation. Destiny Pharma to stay up to date on XF-73 Nasal's development and the company's other assets.