Lysin in wait

As researchers chase new ways to combat antibiotic resistance, two companies are tackling the problem with anti-infectives based on phage lysins-enzymes that kill bacteria selectively and are not prone to bacterial resistance. Micreos B.V. and ContraFect Corp. are taking different tacks to getting proof of concept in patients, but for both companies, finding the right formulation might be the key to getting lysins approved for systemic use.

Although lysins have been on the research scene for several years, companies have struggled to create viable therapies from them because of poor solubility and purity...