E! 12272 BELOPENEM Double Bond Pharmaceutical
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Double Bond Pharmaceutical AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 4 938 207 |
| Project duration | October 2018 - March 2021 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Eurostars |
Important results from the project
The goal of the consortium was to develop a new treatment for bacterial pneumonia. Belopenem formulation was developed based on a novel drug delivery technology (BeloGal) and a broad spectrum antibiotic meropenem. Belopenem effects were investigated in cells, rats and mice. Belopenem bioavailability and efficacy against a broad spectrum of different bacterial pathogens were investigated. The optimal CMO for GMP manufacturing of Belopenem have been selected.
Expected long term effects
Belopenem can deliver 3 times more meropenem to the lungs, while the duration of Belopenem effects was also prolonged in rats. The prolonged half-life could lead to a reduced dosing regimen and less side effects compared to the traditional meropenem formulation with an extremely short half-life. However, the duration of Belopenem effects was not so strongly prolonged in mice and there was no significant difference in bacteria elimination induced by Belopenem and meropenem in mice infected with any bacterial strain.
Approach and implementation
Belopenem delivered less meropenem to the lungs than expected because of the high polarity of meropenem and in particular the existence of the carboxyl group in the meropenem. Basing on received experience, the BeloGal formulation with tetracycline seems to be much more promising. Overall, the Eurostars Belopenem project expanded our experience in BeloGal formulation, allowed us to better investigate the properties of the excipient and provided the basis for our further development of treatment for bacterial pneumonia infections containing another antibiotic.