Rostra Therapeutics develops second-generation Strathclyde Minor Groove Binders (S-MGBs) to create medications targeting serious invasive fungal infections, which account for over 2.55 million deaths annually. The company aims to provide effective therapeutic options to combat the global health threat posed by infectious diseases.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Serious invasive fungal infections cause over 2.55 million deaths annually, representing a significant unmet clinical need. The rise of drug-resistant fungal pathogens, coupled with a limited arsenal of effective antifungal medications, poses a growing threat, especially for immunocompromised patients.
Solution
Rostra Therapeutics is developing second-generation Strathclyde Minor Groove Binders (S-MGBs) as a novel anti-infectives platform to combat serious fungal infections. S-MGBs bind to multiple sites on DNA and RNA, disrupting fundamental cellular functions in pathogens, including fungi, viruses, bacteria, and parasites. This multi-modal mechanism of action enables rapid pathogen killing and reduces the likelihood of antimicrobial resistance development. Rostra's S-MGBs have demonstrated activity against drug-resistant pathogens, offering a potential solution to overcome the limitations of existing antifungal treatments. The company is focused on advancing lead compounds through preclinical and clinical development to address the urgent need for new anti-infective medicines.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes clinicians and patients in need of effective treatments for serious invasive fungal infections, particularly those with compromised immune systems or infections resistant to existing antifungal drugs.
Features
- Second-generation Strathclyde Minor Groove Binders (S-MGBs) platform technology
- Broad-spectrum activity against fungi, viruses, bacteria, and parasites
- Multiple modes of action (MOAs) targeting DNA and RNA
- Demonstrated efficacy against drug-resistant fungal pathogens, including Aspergillus and Candida species
- Potential to treat infections caused by Candida auris, Cryptococcus neoformans, and emerging pathogens like Scedosporium and Lomentospora species
- Research project supported by the CF AMR Syndicate to develop molecules for fungal lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients