Novel Cross-Kingdom Antimicrobials for Hard-to-Treat Infections

A resistance-evading antimicrobial agent (NL001) with potent activity against both fungal and bacterial pathogens; a topical candidate for frontline management of sight-threatening eye infections.

Key Information

Overview

Growing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in fungal and bacterial pathogens poses a global public-health threat. Fungal infections are particularly challenging to manage because eukaryotic fungi share greater similarity with human cells than prokaryotic bacteria, complicating the development of host-safe antifungals. Current antifungal therapies are limited by toxicity, prolonged treatment regimens and increasing resistance; highlighting an urgent need for innovative solutions. We have developed a novel cross-kingdom antimicrobial therapeutic strategy that targets essential fungal and bacterial cellular components while minimising resistance development. This approach enables effective eradication of pathogenic microbes while reducing the selective pressure that drives drug resistance.

The technology offers broad antimicrobial activity with improved selectivity and safety, positioning it as a promising candidate for frontline management of hard-to-treat infections — especially where diagnosis is necessary but protracted.

Our Innovation

• Resistance-evading mechanism Targets conserved microbial cellular components, minimising the selective pressure that drives drug resistance.
• Potent cross-kingdom activity Antifungal and antibacterial action against clinically relevant species.
• Active against resistant strains Demonstrated efficacy against drug-resistant pathogens.
• Improved safety profile Selective targeting reduces host toxicity.
• Easy production & formulation Straightforward to manufacture and formulate at scale.

Potential Applications

A topical agent addressing multiple eye-care segments:

• Cornea infection patients
• Contact lens wearers
• Patients with chronic eye disease
• Post eye-surgery patients

Our value proposition

• Targets AMR market pain points Addresses the unmet need for safe, broad-spectrum agents against resistant infections.
• Production at scale A few grams already produced in the laboratory.
• Ambient stability & autoclave tolerance Robust to storage and sterilisation conditions.
• Topical antimicrobial agent Suited to multiple clinical segments in eye care.