BROOKLYN, N.Y., Dec. 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AzurRx BioPharma Inc.(NASDAQ:AZRX) (“AzurRx” or the “Company”), today announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has published patent application number 15/519424, entitled “Hybrid Proteinaceous Molecule Capable of Inhibiting at Least One Antibiotic and Pharmaceutical Composition Containing It”, which covers the Company’s AZX1103 recombinant enzyme for the prevention of antibiotic induced diarrhea and hospital-acquired C. difficile infections. AZX1103 is intended to prevent the adverse effects of antibiotics, secondary to their action on the gastrointestinal flora and the selection of resistant bacteria strains.
The invention relates to a hybrid protein molecule comprising at least two parts capable of inhibiting the activity of at least one antibiotic in order to reduce the intestinal side effects, such as severe diarrhea, and nosocomial infections secondary to parenteral antibiotic therapy.
“We are greatly encouraged by the publication of the patent application for AZX1103 and would like to commend the hard work of our scientists,” said Thijs Spoor, CEO of AzurRx BioPharma. “We believe that AZX1103, a non-systemic protein, can preserve healthy gastrointestinal flora by inhibiting antibiotics in the GI tract and thus prevent the development of antibiotic induced diarrhea and bacterial infections. We think the drug has particular application in its potential to greatly reduce the number of C. difficile infections.”
About AZX1103, a Recombinant Beta Lactamase
AZX1103, a recombinant beta lactamase, is in development for the prevention of nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infections by resistant bacterial strains induced by parenteral administration of β-lactam antibiotics. It is an oral, non-systemic medicine that will act locally in the GI tract and inhibit the activity of antibiotics that harm gastrointestinal flora.
Hospital-acquired (nosocomial) infections have a huge economic impact on society and are a major public health concern contributing to increased morbidity, mortality, and cost. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC 2016) has estimated that roughly 1.7 million hospital-associated infections (i.e. ~5% of the number of hospitalized patients), cause or contribute to 99,000 deaths each year in the USA, with the annual cost ranging from US $4.5 to $11 billion).
About AzurRx BioPharma, Inc.:
AzurRx BioPharma, Inc. (NASDAQ:AZRX) is engaged in the research and development of non-systemic biologics for the treatment of patients with gastrointestinal disorders. MS1819 recombinant lipase for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is the company's lead development program, and additional early stage research is being conducted for the prevention of hospital-acquired infections. The company is headquartered in Brooklyn, NY, with scientific operations based in Langlade, France. Additional information on the company can be found at www.azurrx.com.
Forward-Looking Statements:
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigations Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include, but are not limited to, any statements relating to our product development programs and any other statements that are not historical facts. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties that could negatively affect our business, operating results, financial condition and stock price. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from management's current expectations include those risks and uncertainties relating to the regulatory approval process, the development, testing, production and marketing of our drug candidates, patent and intellectual property matters and strategic agreements and relationships. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations or any changes in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law.
For more Information:
AzurRx BioPharma, Inc.
760 Parkside Avenue, Suite 304
Brooklyn, NY 11226
Phone: 646-699-7855
www.azurrx.com
IR contact:
LifeSci Advisors, LLC.
Hans Vitzthum, Managing Director
250 West 55th Street - Suite 16B
New York, NY 10019
Phone: 212-915-2568
www.lifesciadvisors.com
