Venus Remedies Ltd, a renowned Indian pharmaceutical company specializing in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with UK-based Infex Therapeutics. This collaboration aims to drive the clinical development, regulatory approval, and commercialization of MET-X, an innovative metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) inhibitor.
With rising antibiotic resistance in India, particularly against meropenem—where resistance rates range from 62% to 87% in critical pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae—MET-X presents a groundbreaking solution. The drug works by restoring the efficacy of meropenem, a widely used carbapenem antibiotic, against drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria.
Under the agreement, Venus Remedies will lead the clinical trials in India, starting with a Phase I study involving healthy volunteers. Following successful trials, the company plans to advance into Phase II studies, targeting complicated urinary tract infections (cUTIs) commonly found in hospital settings. The company’s expertise in antibiotic R&D and its strong presence in the meropenem market will play a crucial role in MET-X’s successful integration.
All clinical trials will adhere to international regulatory standards, including those set by the FDA, EMA, and ICMR, ensuring global commercialization potential. The partnership also allows Venus Remedies and Infex Therapeutics to explore additional MET-X and beta-lactam antibiotic combinations, further strengthening their collaboration.
As one of the first broad-spectrum MBL inhibitors targeting multiple drug-resistant bacterial strains, MET-X has demonstrated best-in-class performance in preclinical studies.
