Recce's reconnaissance against superbug – infiltrate, eliminate, escape undetected

Antimicrobial resistance is among the most significant threats to public health and development, says WHO
Recce Pharmaceuticals is tackling the global health problem of antibiotic-resistant superbugs
It has a military reconnaissance approach to its anti-infectives aiming to eliminate threats with minimal side effects

The discovery of penicillin in 1928 started what was dubbed “the golden age of natural product antibiotic discovery” that peaked in the mid-1950s.

However, since the mid last century antibiotic discovery and development along with the evolution of drug resistance in many human pathogens has led to an antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis.

Antimicrobials, which include antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitic drugs, are essential for preventing and treating infections in humans, animals, and plants.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), AMR is among the most significant threats to global public health and development.

WHO estimates that bacterial AMR was directly responsible for 1.27m deaths worldwide in 2019 and played a role in 4.95m additional deaths.

“AMR puts many of the gains of modern medicine at risk,” the intergovernmental organisation said.

“It makes infections harder to treat and makes other medical procedures and treatments – such as surgery, caesarean sections and cancer chemotherapy – much riskier.”

As well as the health risks, WHO said AMR has significant economic risks.

The World Bank estimates that AMR could result in US$1 trillion additional healthcare costs by 2050, and US$1 trillion to US$3.4 trillion gross domestic product (GDP) losses per year by 2030.

Recce targeting AMR

Recce Pharmaceuticals (ASX) is tackling the global health problem of antibiotic-resistant superbugs and emerging viral pathogens with its new class of synthetic anti-infectives.

RCE’s anti-infectives have a universal mechanism of action, meaning they are broadly effective across different types of microorganisms and have an ability to overcome hyper-cellular mutation.

RCE CEO James Graham told Stockhead this means they are effective even when bacteria mutate rapidly, reducing the likelihood of resistance.

Furthermore, Graham said their potency does not diminish even with repeated use, a common failure associated with existing drugs.

He said antibiotic resistance was escalating into one of the greatest global health crises of our time.

“Superbugs are evolving at a pace faster than traditional medicine can combat,” he said.

“Without effective solutions, infections that were once easily treated are now becoming life-threatening, putting millions at risk worldwide.

“At Recce, we’re committed to stopping this dangerous trajectory by developing synthetic anti-infectives that can outpace these evolving pathogens.”

Military approach to targeting superbugs

RCE was established in 2007 and listed on the ASX in 2016, building on the pioneering independent research of Dr Graham Melrose, a former executive director and head of research at Johnson & Johnson Asia Pacific and Australia.

The name Recce (pronounced re-key) originates from the military term reconnaissance.

On its website RCE said the military tactic aims to get troops behind enemy lines, identify the enemy, eliminate the threat, and escape without being noticed.

The company has adopted the military reconnaissance approach to anti-infectives, where they are designed to:

● Enter the human body
● Find the infection and threat (deadly bacteria and viruses)
● Eliminate the threat and
● Exit without being noticed (side effects)

“We design our synthetic anti-infectives to infiltrate the body, locate infections, eliminate the threat, and exit unnoticed, minimising side effects and maximising effectiveness. Just like in battle, timing and precision are critical,” said RCE’s CEO.

Strong pipeline of development

RCE has 40 granted patents and patent applications across four families and was well positioned to continue expanding its wholly-owned international patent portfolio, noted Graham.

And RCE has three trademarked products in development including:

● RECCE 327 (R327)– a fast-acting, broad-spectrum antibiotic effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including antibiotic resistant superbugs
● RECCE 435 (R435) – a broad-spectrum synthetic polymer antibiotic formulated for oral use
● RECCE 529 (R529) – a synthetic polymer anti-infective focused on viral indications following RCE’s background antiviral research

In June RCE announced R327 has been added to the World Health Organisation’s list of Antibacterial Products in Clinical Development.

R327 was uniquely classified as an adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production disruptor, the only compound under this category.

“We are pleased that R327 has been included in the list of antibacterial products aimed at tackling the urgent global health threat posed by antibiotic resistance,” said Graham.

“There is a demand for new antibiotic therapies, and this report further showcases R327’s potential as a novel treatment for a broad range of life-threatening and resistant bacteria.”

Positive clinical results

In July RCE reported positive results of a study against multidrug-resistant (MDR), WHO-priority pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii).

The study was conducted at RCE’s Anti-Infective Research (AIR) unit within Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.

RCE said urinary tract infections (UTIs), ventilator-associated pneumonia, central line-associated bloodstream infections, persistent wound infections and meningitis are the most common clinical manifestations that arise from A. baumannii.

The study demonstrated R327’s bactericidal (killing bacteria) activity when compared to placebo and ciprofloxacin in just one-hour post treatment and at 24-hours post treatment in primary human epidermal keratinocytes (skin cells) infected with A. baumannii.

The study results build upon successful Phase 2 diabetic foot infections (DFIs).

Graham said the demonstrated efficacy against MDR A. baumannii also further builds out the efficacy profile of R327 against UTI-causing pathogens and would support the start of a Phase 2 trial in patients with UTI/Urosepsis.

“These outstanding results highlight the potent efficacy of R327 in combating MDR bacteria, a significant global health challenge.

“The ability of R327 to achieve such substantial reductions in bacterial load and maintain its effectiveness over 24 hours is a testament to its potential as a leading anti-infective treatment.

“We are excited about these findings and their implications for the future of infection management.”

RCE’s continued work at the AIR Unit aligns with Murdoch Children’s mission to address the global health threat of anti-microbial resistance through innovative research, Graham added, noting:

“The synergy between our organisations will undoubtedly lead to ground-breaking discoveries that have the potential to transform the landscape of infectious disease treatment.”

International recognition for work

RCE has also secured a a grant of US$2m (~$3m) from the US Department of Defense’s Congressionally directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP).

Graham said the funding would enable RCE to accelerate the development of R327G and evaluate its use as a gel-based treatment for rapidly resolving burn wound infections and minimising the onset of bacteraemia-related complications, such as sepsis.

The primary goal of the project is to assess the potential of R327G for use in advanced military field settings.

“This growing international recognition further amplifies Recce’s presence on the global stage, as demonstrated by the company’s significant involvement in the upcoming World Antimicrobial Resistance Congress, taking place on September 5-6 in Philadelphia,” said the Recce boss.

The company is a key sponsor of the event and, noted Graham, will be front and centre, delivering the opening keynote plenary, showcasing the groundbreaking potential of its synthetic anti-infectives in a dedicated presentation, and contributing to a panel focused on raising awareness about AMR.

“This major presence reinforces RCE’s leadership in the fight against AMR and its commitment to addressing this urgent global health threat,” he said.

At Stockhead, we tell it like it is. While Recce Pharmaceuticals is a Stockhead advertisers, the company did not sponsor this article.