New data indicates EVŌQ Nano’s nanoparticle EVQ-218 could combat the world’s worst superbugs without triggering antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Bacteria’s ability to form biofilms is a key factor in their resistance to antibiotics.
Biofilms are protective layers that shield bacteria from therapeutic interventions and the body’s immune system, especially in conditions like cystic fibrosis where infections become entrenched deep within the lungs.
Pulmonary therapeutics face hurdles in reaching the lower respiratory passages due to the lungs’ complex structure, mucus production, and natural clearance mechanism, which expels foreign particles. Recent preclinical trials of EVQ-218 show promise in addressing these challenges.
In rodent studies, EVQ-218’s uniform, sub-10nm nanoparticles effectively penetrated the distal regions of the lungs, overcoming typical delivery barriers.
Serial passage assays have also been conducted on EVQ-218 and showed no development of resistance in 28-day and 35-day testing. Resistance to other antibiotics typically occurs in four to five days.
“The rising challenge of antimicrobial resistance calls for innovative solutions,” said EVŌQ Nano CEO, Shaun Rothwell. “EVQ-218 represents a promising approach that could significantly impact this global health threat. We’re all in this fight together, and the more information we can share, the better equipped we’ll be to develop effective solutions.”
Efficacy against the top six antibiotic-resistant strains
EVŌQ Bio, a subsidiary of EVŌQ Nano, has received two grants from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to develop an inhaled therapeutic using EVQ-218 to combat pulmonary bacterial infections associated with cystic fibrosis.
The company recently completed a successful Pre-Investigational New Drug (pre-IND) meeting with the US Food and Drug Administration and is hoping to progress to Phase I clinical trials.
EVQ-218 has been characterised as a new form of silver by the Journal of the American Chemical Society, ACS Omega. Unlike conventional antibacterial agents that often trigger AMR by rupturing bacterial cell walls, EVQ-218 employs a novel mechanism of action that kills bacteria from the inside.
EVQ-218 infiltrates the bacterial cell and begins sequestering sulphur. This neutralises the cell’s energy source, disabling metabolic pathways and destroying the cell from the inside.
With death of the bacteria and no cell wall damage, warning signals are not sent to sibling bacteria, preventing bacterial proliferation and AMR.
In vitro studies found EVQ-218 demonstrated efficacy against a range of pathogens, including the top six antibiotic-resistant strains identified by The World Health Organization.