Exclusive License Agreement for MET-X Development
Venus Remedies Ltd., a leading pharmaceutical company specializing in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), has signed an exclusive license agreement with UK-based Infex Therapeutics. Under this agreement, Venus Remedies will lead the clinical development, registration, and commercialization of MET-X, an innovative metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) inhibitor. Initially, the company will integrate MET-X with meropenem to combat drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, holding exclusive marketing rights in India.
Addressing India’s Growing Antimicrobial Resistance
Meropenem resistance in India is alarmingly high, ranging from 62-87% in critical priority pathogens such as Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii, according to the ICMR’s Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Surveillance Network Annual Report 2023. With MBL prevalence directly contributing to nearly 50% of these cases, the need for an effective inhibitor is urgent.
Clinical Development Strategy
Venus Remedies will initiate Phase I clinical trials in India, testing MET-X in combination with meropenem on healthy volunteers. If Phase I proves successful, Phase II/III trials will target drug-resistant complicated urinary tract infections (cUTIs), which are common in hospital settings. The company’s expertise in antibiotic R&D and critical care strengthens its ability to integrate MET-X into the Indian healthcare landscape.
Ensuring Global-Standard Trials
As per the press release, All clinical trials will adhere to international regulatory standards set by the FDA, EMA, and MHRA. This compliance will facilitate future global commercialization efforts. Additionally, Venus Remedies and Infex Therapeutics retain the option to expand their collaboration to other MET-X/beta-lactam combinations under mutually agreed terms.
MET-X: A Potential Game-Changer in Antibiotic Resistance
MET-X is Infex Therapeutics’ broad-spectrum MBL inhibitor, designed to counter Gram-negative bacteria that deactivate beta-lactam antibiotics like meropenem. By blocking MBL resistance, MET-X restores antibiotic efficacy. The treatment has demonstrated best-in-class performance in animal studies and is poised to be among the first broad-spectrum MBL inhibitors addressing multiple resistant bacterial species, including E. coli and K. pneumoniae.
Leadership Insights on MET-X’s Potential
Saransh Chaudhary, President, Global Critical Care, Venus Remedies Ltd., and CEO, Venus Medicine Research Centre, emphasized the significance of this partnership. “Introducing MET-X in India aligns with our longstanding commitment to AMR-focused R&D. Our expertise in critical care and antibiotic therapies ensures a strong market presence and quality research for integrating MET-X with meropenem and other beta-lactam combinations.”
Pawan Chaudhary, Chairman and Managing Director, Venus Remedies Ltd., highlighted the breakthrough nature of this development. “In-licensing MET-X is a crucial step in addressing drug-resistant infections, a growing threat to India’s healthcare system. We are committed to developing an effective solution against MBL-producing pathogens and driving innovation in critical care.”
Bridging the Gap in India’s Healthcare System
Currently, India lacks approved MBL inhibitors despite the high prevalence of MBL-producing pathogens in hospital settings. The exclusive in-licensing of MET-X underscores Venus Remedies’ dedication to filling this critical gap and delivering cutting-edge solutions.
A Global Perspective on MET-X Development
Dr. Peter Jackson, CEO of Infex Therapeutics, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration. “This agreement with Venus Remedies allows us to accelerate the clinical development of MET-X in India. Venus Remedies’ expertise in critical care antibiotics will play a pivotal role in advancing MET-X as our second clinical-stage drug program. The trials conducted to international standards will support regulatory filings in the UK, U.S., Europe, and other global markets. Given MET-X’s promising preclinical performance, this development could be a game-changer for patients battling Gram-negative, MBL-resistant infections.”
A Transformative Step in Combating Drug-Resistant Infections
With no existing MBL inhibitors in India, MET-X has the potential to revolutionize treatment for drug-resistant infections. Venus Remedies’ collaboration with Infex Therapeutics strengthens its role in AMR-focused antibiotic development. This partnership ensures a major impact on public health and patient outcomes.