In a groundbreaking move to drive healthcare innovation, the Technology Development Board (TDB) under the Department of Science & Technology has forged an agreement with M/s Peptris Technologies Pvt. Ltd. and the Foundation for Neglected Disease Research (FNDR), Bengaluru. The agreement, inked on 18th March, allocates a substantial grant of ₹75 Lakhs towards the project "ANAGRANINF - Development of a Novel Class of Antibiotics Against Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections," with a total project cost of ₹1.5 crores.

This collaborative endeavor signifies a leap forward in healthcare innovation, merging Indian and Spanish expertise. ABAC THERAPEUTICS SL, the Spanish Project Lead, joins hands with Indian counterparts under the stewardship of the Department of Science & Technology and the Centre for the Development of Technology and Innovation, E.P.E. (CDTI). Together, they aim to propel market-driven research, foster partnerships, and drive business-led collaborative projects, ultimately advancing healthcare innovation.

The project's core mission is to pioneer a novel lead compound, specifically an antibiotic targeting the FabI enzyme to combat critical gram-negative pathogens. Leveraging proprietary AI tools and adhering to stringent guidelines such as the eNTRy rules, the project seeks to produce a range of compounds meeting the rigorous criteria outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO) to combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) infections.

The selected hit molecule MMV1578564 has demonstrated promising activity against gram-negative pathogens, laying the groundwork for further research and development. Additionally, the project aims to identify a candidate meeting WHO's innovation criteria, ensuring a new chemical structure, no cross-resistance with existing commercial classes, a novel target, and a unique mechanism of action.

Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary of the Technology Development Board, emphasized, "Through this collaborative initiative, TDB reaffirms its unwavering commitment to supporting pioneering research endeavors aimed at addressing critical global challenges such as antimicrobial resistance. The Board remains steadfast in its dedication to facilitating the translation of innovative ideas into tangible solutions for societal benefit."