Welwyn, UK - 13 November 2008: Novacta Therapeutics, a UK-based anti-infectives company, today announced that the UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) will evaluate its proprietary lantibiotics as a broad spectrum antiviral treatment.
Novacta’s lantibiotics have demonstrated potential as antibiotics in early preclinical studies. These naturally occurring compounds are also believed to have a unique and novel mechanism of interfering with the process of viral infection. Their mode of action involves the response of host cells to viral attack and they have the potential to block viral infection and proliferation at multiple targets. Using its proprietary lantibiotic engineering technology, Novacta intends to generate new compounds with improved activity against influenza and other viral targets. DSTL will conduct efficacy studies to measure the ability of Novacta’s proprietary lantibiotics to treat or prevent viral infections.
Tony Sedgwick, CEO of Novacta Therapeutics, said: “DSTL is internationally recognized for its ability to evaluate new therapeutic counter measures including broad spectrum antiviral agents. We are very excited to have a partner with such vast and relevant experience in this field, as it gives us a unique opportunity to fully evaluate our programme with a highly experienced team.”
About Novacta Therapeutics
Novacta Therapeutics is the newly formed anti-infectives development arm of UK-based biotechnology company Novacta Biotech.
Novacta Therapeutics’ lead programmes are centred around a novel class of small peptide molecules called lantibiotics, which have until now been underexploited due to the lack of adequate research tools. Novacta has three programmes based around first-in-class optimised lantibiotic variants. Its novel approach has been validated by the Wellcome Trust’s strategic translational award for its lead programme in C.difficile associated infection.
Novacta Biotech’s other arm, known as Novacta Biosystems, is focused on providing revenue generating services to industry customers. Novacta was established in 2003 and currently employs about 25 people at its premises in Welwyn, Hertfordshire.
For more information, please visit www.novactabio.com
About DSTL
The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) is a centre of scientific excellence for the Ministry of Defence (MOD). Its 3,500 strong workforce includes some of the nation’s most talented and creative scientists with the brief to ensure that the UK Armed Forces and Government are supported in-house by the very best impartial scientific and technological advice. DSTL’s position at the heart of the MOD means that its advice is trusted by governments, academia, industry and international partners. It offers timely and accurate advice at all levels of military planning and operations, both overseas and on the home front.
For more information, please visit www.dstl.gov.uk
About lantibiotics
Lantibiotics are a naturally occurring class of antibiotic peptide compounds found in a large number of bacteria. They take their name from the lanthionine amino acids found within their structure (lanthionine-containing antibiotics). Lantibiotics have demonstrated potential to treat infections caused by agents such as C. difficile and MRSA. The collaboration with DSTL will further evaluate their activity as antiviral agents. Conventional medicinal chemistry has been unable to manipulate the structure of the naturally occurring compounds into the optimised forms that have the potential to treat human disease. However, Novacta’s proprietary technologies allow the structural manipulation and optimisation of activity which is necessary to unlock the potential of this novel and under-exploited class of compounds.
