Boston, MA 06/10/2014 (wallstreetpr) – Synthetic Biologics Inc (NYSEMKT:SYN) and Enterome Bioscience SA on June 10, 2014 announced that the two companies have entered into an agreement for conducting metagenomic research particularly on the effects of beta-lactam antibiotics. As part of the agreement, the two companies will study the effects of the aforementioned antibiotics on gastrointestinal microflora (microbiome) among the humans.
Activities to be undertaken as a part of the agreement
As part of the agreement, the two companies will take over the clinical microbiome study of around 100 patients. This study would begin by July 2014. It is expected that the findings of the research will provide vital insights as the Synthetic Biologics Inc (NYSEMKT:SYN) will also advance the development of SYN-004. This antibiotic- SYN-004 is aimed at providing protection to the gut microbiome from effects of intravenous (IV) beta-lactam antibiotics. SYN-004 is particularly meant to prevent C. difficile (C. diff) infections. The two clinical trials of the company’s SYN-004, i.e., Phase Ia and Ib, will begin later in this year only.
Statement from the CEO of Synthetic Biologics
The CEO of Synthetic Biologics Inc (NYSEMKT:SYN), Jeffrey Riley said that the company was glad to establish the collaboration of this kind with Enterome, which is a pioneer in developing therapies and biomarkers for the diseases associated with gut microbiome. He further explained that the findings from the study will help in providing support to the C. diff therapeutic program, which aims at maintaining and protecting a right balance of bacterial microflora in the gut.
Statement from the CEO of Enterome
The CEO of Enterome, Pierre Belichard, said that signing this agreement was an important milestone for the company. The link between the two companies, he said, will help in bringing crucial changes in gut microbiome and disease. He added that customising the use of anti-infective treatments which were based on microbiome profiling was starting to show great promises towards management of infectious diseases.
