CARB-X FUNDS GSK TO DEVELOP A NEW DRUG FOR URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS (UTI) CAUSED BY ESCHERICHIA COLI BACTERIA

CARB-X announced today it is awarding up to US$7.51 million to GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE: GSK), to develop a new drug to treat and prevent recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by the Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria.

“Serious bacterial infections are a global health threat, due in part to the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria for which we do not have therapies,” said Erin Duffy, CARB-X R&D Chief.  “GSK’s project is in the early stages of development, and if successful, could potentially treat and prevent recurrent UTIs caused by E. coli and stop harmful bacteria from spreading in the body.”

UTIs are among the most frequent bacterial infections. UTIs occur when bacteria from the skin or periurethral area enter the urethra and infect the urinary tract and bladder. More women than men develop these infections, at a ratio of 8:1. An estimated 40-50 per cent of women will develop a UTI in their lifetime.