Novacta partners with DSTL to evaluate drugs

Novacta Therapeutics, a newly-formed anti-infectives development arm of the UK-based Novacta Biotech, says that the government's Defence Science and Technology Laboratory is to evaluate its proprietary lantibiotics as a broad spectrum antiviral treatment.

The firm's lantibiotics have demonstrated potential as antibiotics in early preclinical studies and are also believed to have a unique and novel mechanism of interfering with the process of viral infection. Using its proprietary lantibiotic engineering technology, the company intends to generate new compounds with improved activity against influenza and other viral targets. DSTL will conduct efficacy studies to measure the ability of Novacta's lantibiotics to treat or prevent viral infections.

Chief executive Tony Sedgwick said that: "DSTL is internationally recognized for its ability to evaluate new therapeutic counter measures including broad spectrum antiviral agents. We are very excited to have a partner with such vast and relevant experience in this field, as it gives us a unique opportunity to fully evaluate our program with a highly experienced team."