AdjuTec Pharma Begins First Human Trial of APC148, Targeting Antibiotic Resistance

AdjuTec Pharma, a Norwegian biotech firm specializing in antibiotic resistance solutions, has announced the commencement of its first-in-human phase 1 clinical trial of its lead compound, APC148. The trial, taking place in Uppsala, Sweden, involves healthy adult volunteers and aims to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of the compound. The trial marks a key milestone in the company's mission to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a major global health concern.

APC148 is an innovative enzyme inhibitor designed to neutralize bacterial resistance to antibiotics, particularly targeting metallo-ß-lactamase (MBL) enzymes. The clinical trial features a single-dose ascending study where six participants receive APC148 and two receive a placebo, across each cohort of eight. The first intravenous dose was administered successfully this week, following regulatory approval from Swedish authorities.

Bjørn Klem, CEO of AdjuTec Pharma, expressed excitement about the trial, highlighting that the phase 1 study will provide crucial safety data and inform dosing strategies for future trials. "This is a significant step toward derisking the project and advancing toward phase 2-3 trials in patients with severe infections. It will also facilitate partnership opportunities," said Klem.

APC148’s development comes at a time when antimicrobial resistance has become one of the world’s top public health threats, contributing to millions of deaths annually. Without effective antibiotics, modern medical practices such as surgeries and cancer treatments could be jeopardized. AdjuTec’s work aims to restore bacterial sensitivity to antibiotics, potentially offering a breakthrough in combating drug-resistant infections.

The company’s technology was developed by Professor Pål Rongved and his team at the University of Oslo. AdjuTec Pharma is based in Oslo and is focused on delivering innovative solutions to address the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.