Protez Product Pipeline 

Key program areas for Protez include: development of PZ-601, a breakthrough broad spectrum carbapenem with potential to become a first-line therapy for use in hospitals where drug-resistant, Gram-positive bacteria and/or polymicrobial infections are suspected in patients;  line expansion strategies for PZ-601 to include combination and aerosol use as well as a discovery program for an oral prodrug; and a beta-lactamase inhibitor discovery program to allow extended useful life for multiple existing classes of antibiotics.  Protez is also actively seeking in-licensing opportunities to augment the current pipeline.

PZ-601 (also known as SMP-216601) 

Licensed from Dainippon Sumitomo at an early preclinical stage, PZ-601 is a novel-spectrum carbapenem antibiotic now in Phase 2 clinical development. This injectable product has an unusually broad spectrum of bactericidal activity offering better coverage over existing injectable antibiotics, especially against the problematic multidrug-resistant Gram positive bacteria, while also retaining activity against ESBL-producing Gram negatives. PZ-601 has the potential to be first-line therapy for serious hospital-based infections where resistant Gram positive bacteria are suspected, and therefore has large market potential. Protez is developing this antibiotic for North America and Europe while Dainippon Sumitomo will develop in Asia.

Beta-lactamase Inhibitors 

The effectiveness of current antibiotics is becoming increasingly compromised by the development of resistance in bacteria.  Beta-lactams (penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems and monobactams) are the most widely used antibiotic class because of their effectiveness and safety; however, this extensive use has produced enormous selective pressure for development of resistance.  Bacteria have become resistant by producing a variety of beta-lactamases, enzymes that degrade the antibiotics and allow bacteria to escape their effects.  To address this issue and extend the useful life of multiple beta-lactam antibiotics, Protez is developing inhibitors of these enzymes.    Our most advanced leads exhibit activity against both Ambler Class A and C beta-lactamase enzymes, and are able to rescue the activity of cephalosporins in treating experimental infections by beta-lactamase producing Gram negative bacteria.  These beta-lactamase inhibitors are in advanced lead-optimization.

PZ-601 Line Expansion 

In building on the success and clinical progression of PZ-601 injectable, Protez is also exploring approaches to development of a product line with expanded utility.  Included in these efforts are synergistic combinations, complementary administration routes (e.g., aerosol), as well as prospects for an oral prodrug for step-down/switch therapy.