our technology
Urgent need for novel antifungals
Despite treatment, around half a million people die every year due to a lethal Candida infection – (Denning 2024). Current treatments are limited by toxicity, drug resistance and a lack of innovation, making them less effective, particularly in hospitalized patients with complex underlying medical conditions.
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) as a new approach
Antibodies are produced naturally by our immune systems to help us fight infections. Monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapies mimic natural antibodies but are produced in a laboratory. mAb therapies are precision treatments that have revolutionised the treatment of other diseases, such as cancer, and could do the same for fungal infections.
4 out of every 10 people
with an invasive Candida infection die, despite treatment
Patient-derived mAbs for more targeted treatment
We are developing a new mAb therapy, mB119, to treat hospitalised patients with invasive Candida infections. Through this innovative platform, antibody genes targeting Candida cell surface targets were cloned directly from B cells of patients who had recovered from infection – (Rudkin et al., 2018). mB119’s fully human, patient-derived origin decreases the likelihood of triggering immunogenic responses, enhances its relevance to human infection and ensures the preservation of native heavy and light chain pairings, critical for optimal antibody affinity.
How does it work?
Our lead mAb, mB119, marks fungal cells so that the immune system can recognise and destroy them more easily. This leads to earlier clearance of infection and translates to efficacy in preclinical models of systemic Candida infection.
How will it be used?
mB119 is in early preclinical development. Initially, it will be used alongside current antifungals to enhance their effectiveness in complex patient populations, help mitigate resistance and extend the lifespan of existing treatments.
Key advantages
Novelty
First-in-class
Safety
Fewer drug-drug interactions
Low resistance risk
Efficacy against resistant infections