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• Neoglycosides
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• Additional Programs/Inlicensing Interests

Aminoglycosides are a well-known, established and highly effective class of antibacterials, widely used in the treatment of difficult, hospital-based infections. In particular, the class is known for compounds with rapid bactericidal activity against Gram-negative pathogens, predictable pharmacokinetic profiles, and excellent stability and solubility.  Compounds like gentamicin and amikacin have been widely prescribed in hospitals and critical care settings for decades.

Use of currently marketed aminoglycosides has been limited by the increasing rate of resistance among common infectious bacteria and in some patients, nephrotoxicity and/or ototoxicity.  As a result, there is a clear need for improved aminoglycosides to provide a safe and effective therapy for multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacterial infections, including both Gram-negative pathogens (e.g., Klebsiella pneumoniae) and Gram-positive pathogens (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA).  

Achaogen’s novel aminoglycoside agents—neoglycosides—overcome known aminoglycoside resistance mechanisms. Leveraging modern chemistry and biology, as well as the extensive scientific and clinical knowledge gained from decades of aminoglycoside usage, Achaogen is poised to enhance the prominence and utility of this important class of antibacterials against 21st-century pathogens.

 

ACHN-490:  An antibacterial agent for the 21st Century
Achaogen’s lead compound, ACHN-490, has displayed efficacy in research and nonclinical studies against systemic infections caused by multi-drug resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria (e.g., E. coli and K. pneumoniae) and MRSA. We initiated a  Phase 1 clinical trial in early 2009.

Additional Preclinical Discovery Efforts
Achaogen is continuing an aggressive lead optimization program to develop additional compounds in our neoglycoside portfolio. We are also exploring different formulations that may further enhance the clinical utility of our agents.