BARDA to support GSK's antibiotic research

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) have agreed a contract which will support GSK's development of a potential novel antibiotic against hospital Gram negative and biothreat pathogens.

Initially, GSK will receive a $38.5m award from BARDA, a division in the US Department of Health and Human Services, over two years. This award will not only contribute to existing studies, but also new research into various biothreat pathogens; such as Yersinia pestis, the cause of bubonic plague, and Bacillus anthracis, the cause of anthrax.

Specifically, the award will be used to contribute to the development of GSK2251052, an experimental antibiotic, against the bacterial enzyme leucyl tRNA synthetase.

GSK welcomed the agreement with BARDA, which acts as part of BARDA's effort to support the "advanced development of countermeasures that address emerging disease threats and public health".

If BARDA follows the options for future funding, it may bring the total value of the award to $94.5m.