The Novo Nordisk Foundation is committing $25 million to support the early-stage development of innovative tools to prevent, diagnose and treat the most dangerous drug-resistant bacterial infections. The three-year grant will go to the combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator (CARB-X).

CARB-X, a global non-profit partnership funded by four G7 governments and three of the world’s biggest foundations, provides support to these product developers. The partnership plays a role in moving promising ideas for cutting-edge antibacterial products from basic research to clinical development and through Phase 1 clinical trials. Since 2016, CARB-X has funded 93 projects in 12 countries. Nineteen projects have advanced into or completed clinical trials; 12 remain active in clinical development, including late-stage clinical trials; and two diagnostic products have reached the market.

“Like CARB-X, the Novo Nordisk Foundation is committed to driving innovation in the fight against drug-resistant infections,” said Peter Lawætz Andersen, senior vice president, infectious diseases at the foundation. “By partnering, we can help ensure that the best research gets translated into effective, scalable and affordable medical interventions that can help end this growing pandemic.”

“CARB-X is grateful for this generous contribution from the Novo Nordisk Foundation, a key ally in CARB-X’s mission,” said Kevin Outterson, executive director of CARB-X and Austin B. Fletcher Professor of Law at Boston University. “This new funding is a testament to our shared commitment to supporting the pioneering efforts of antibacterial product developers, mainly university spinoffs and small biotech companies, in advancing much-needed innovation to prevent, diagnose and treat the most dangerous drug-resistant bacterial infections.”