BARDA awards GSK up to $200M for antibacterials

HHS's Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) awarded GlaxoSmithKline plc (LSE:GSK; NYSE:GSK) $40 million for an initial 18-month period to develop GSK's portfolio of antibacterial candidates to treat illnesses caused by bioterrorism agents and antibiotic resistance. If GSK and BARDA renew the partnership, the pharma is eligible for up to $200 million in total for a five-year period. HHS said the award is the first where BARDA is working with a company as "strategic partners with a portfolio approach," instead of providing funding for a contract for a single medical countermeasure.

Under the deal, GSK researchers will conduct safety and toxicology testing, clinical pharmacology studies, and clinical and non-clinical testing for the pharma's candidates in the portfolio. A joint oversight committee will conduct semi-annual reviews to monitor progress, make decisions on allocating the funding and to determine which GSK candidates should remain or be included in the portfolio, which initially includes GSK's GSK2140944. The bacterial Type II topoisomerase inhibitor has been evaluated in preclinical studies for anthrax, plague and tularemia and is in Phase I testing as a broad-spectrum antibiotic. GSK also plans to develop GSK2140944 to treat hospital- and community-acquired drug-resistant bacterial infections. ...