Cubist's lipopeptide Gram-negative program is focused on identifying antibiotic candidates with efficacy in treating infections caused by multi-drug resistant Gram-negative pathogens such as Psuedomonas and Acinetobacter. Drug resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections are another area of significant unmet medical need, particularly in acute care settings.
Cubist scientists have been working on infections caused by a variety of Gram-negative pathogens, and have made great progress in assessing potency, efficacy in animal models, PK, and safety of the lead molecules in development. While not yet ready to commit to a near-term IND filing, the company expects significant progress on this program in 2008.
Cubist announced on its January 2008 Earnings Call that it is setting aside work on lipopeptide drug candidates for lung infections. Desirable candidates would have CUBICIN-like efficacy and safety as well as potency in the presence of lung surfactant. Cubist scientists have progressed a number of candidates, but further work would be required to meet the company's target therapeutic index. Cubist discovery and development resources in 2008 are focused on other programs with near term IND potential.