Prokaryotics and Basilea enter collaboration to develop a novel broad-spectrum antifungal for severe invasive infections
Prokaryotics and Basilea enter collaboration to develop a novel broad-spectrum antifungal for severe invasive infections |
| [07-January-2026] |
UNION, N.J., Jan. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Prokaryotics Inc., a privately-held biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery and development of novel anti-infectives, today announced an agreement with Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd, Allschwil (SIX: BSLN), a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to meeting the needs of patients with severe bacterial and fungal infections. The collaboration aims to jointly develop a first-in-class broad-spectrum antifungal for the treatment of severe invasive infections.
The collaboration is focused on a program of antifungal molecules with a novel mode of action, addressing the critical unmet need of patients with invasive infections caused by strains of Candida, Aspergillus, and rare molds. The joint efforts aim to deliver a clinical candidate, which will then be further progressed through clinical development by Basilea. Dr. Terry Roemer, Chief Scientific Officer of Prokaryotics, commented: "We are delighted to collaborate with Basilea on this program with the goal to develop a mechanistically novel class of broad-spectrum antifungals for patients suffering from life-threatening infections. It is estimated that serious fungal infections cause ~1.7 million deaths worldwide annually – a number comparable to deaths caused by tuberculosis or malaria.1,2 The emerging resistance to existing antifungal drugs only exacerbates this threat and underscores the need for new antifungal agents with novel modes of action distinct from current clinically used drugs. This partnership perfectly aligns Prokaryotics' expertise and passion for discovering novel anti-infectives with Basilea's exceptional leadership in advancing novel drugs to the market." "It is a pleasure to join with Basilea in the development of novel antifungals for the benefit of patients worldwide. Basilea is a worldwide leader in this important therapeutic area which makes them an ideal partner for Prokaryotics", stated Pamela Demain, CEO, Prokaryotics. Dr. Laurenz Kellenberger, Chief Scientific Officer of Basilea, said: "There remains a significant unmet medical need for safe, effective, and easy to administer antifungals, with activity against priority pathogens. This partnership underscores Basilea's continued commitment to addressing these needs. We look forward to working together, combining Prokaryotics expertise in anti-infective drug discovery and Basilea's capabilities to advance novel drugs to the market." Under the terms of the agreement, Basilea will make an undisclosed upfront payment, along with near-term milestone payments to Prokaryotics. After selection of a clinical candidate, Basilea would be responsible for the clinical development and global commercialization under an exclusive global license. Under such license, Prokaryotics would be eligible to receive up to USD 48.5 million in development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments, as well as tiered low single-digit royalties on global net sales. About Antimicrobial Resistant (AMR) Fungal Pathogens About Basilea About Prokaryotics, Inc. References Contact: Holly Sutterlin
SOURCE Prokaryotics, Inc. | ||
Company Codes: SIX:BSLN |
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