Recce Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX:RCE, OTC:RECEF) has received promising results from a pilot study evaluating the efficacy of nebulised RECCE® 327 (R327) in treating lung infections.
New class of anti-infectives
The company is dedicated to advancing a new class of synthetic anti-infectives to address the global challenge of antibiotic-resistant superbugs and emerging viral pathogens.
Conducted at the company’s Anti-Infective Research unit within Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, the study showed significant reductions in Mycobacterium abscessus lung infections in mice.
The pilot study revealed more than a 99% reduction in bacterial colonisation, with the mice maintaining stable body weight, indicating both the efficacy and safety of the treatment.
Nebuliser expands options
This is a big step forward in administering R327 via nebuliser, expanding potential applications in respiratory infectious diseases.
“These results represent a significant milestone in the development of nebulised treatments for lung infections,” said CEO James Graham.
“The ability of R327 to significantly decrease bacterial infections in the lungs without adverse effects on the host is a testament to its potential as a safe and effective treatment option.”
Mycobacterium abscessus infections pose serious health risks, particularly to cystic fibrosis patients, often requiring prolonged and intense combination therapies.
The new method of delivery for R327 opens potential treatments for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), which are prevalent in healthcare settings and contribute to high morbidity and mortality rates.
Dr Sohinee Sarkar, lead researcher at Recce’s AIR unit, expressed optimism about the future applications of this study. "The results are very promising and pave the way for future clinical applications, potentially transforming the care landscape for patients suffering from VAP and HAP."
The findings from this study build on previous research where R327 demonstrated effective dose-dependent eradication of Mycobacterium abscessus without toxicity, outperforming established treatments like Clarithromycin.
The World Health Organization has recognised Recce’s efforts by including R327, along with R435 and R529, in its list of essential antibacterial products for priority pathogens.