Forge Therapeutics, Inc., a biotechnology company developing medicines targeting metalloenzymes, has achieved technical milestones and received notice from CARB-X to proceed with the next stage of product funding for its novel IV/Oral LpxC antibiotic to treat urinary tract infections. 

In March 2017, CARB-X selected Forge as one of the first recipients of a cost-sharing award to advance promising antibacterial candidates through the early stages of development. To date, Forge has earned $4.8 million over 15 months from CARB-X and is now eligible to receive as much as $4 million in additional support.

“CARB-X funds the best science and most promising research projects around the world to address drug resistance and superbug infections,” said Kevin Outterson, executive director of CARB-X. “Our diverse Powered by CARB-X pipeline, which includes Forge’s LpxC antibiotic, continues to expand with new mechanisms of action, new treatment modalities and increased funding. Our milestone-based funding is designed to reinforce success with early-stage research projects. Congratulations to Forge.”

“The fight against multi-drug resistant bacteria continues to escalate as antibiotic resistance is steadily rising. Together with our partners from CARB-X and Evotec AG, we are at the forefront of this fight, strategically equipped to drive innovation and create life-saving antibiotics,” said Zachary A. Zimmerman, Ph.D., chief executive officer of Forge. “With achievement of this technical milestone, Forge remains well-suited to advance our novel Gram-negative antibiotic to the clinic.”