Genetic Chemistry, US Army Research Office Sign $22.8M Antibacterial Contract

Genetic Chemistry, a subsidiary of Evolva SA, has signed a contract with the US Army Research Office (ARO), working in conjunction with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA), to discover advanced therapeutics against the gram-negative bacteria pathogen Burkholderia pseudomallei (a CDC category B bioterrorism agent that causes the disease melioidosis). Funding could amount to $22.8 million over the undisclosed contract period.

Under the terms of the contract, Genetic Chemistry Inc. (GCI) will use Evolva’s genetic chemistry technologies to create and optimize compounds that inhibit various B. pseudomallei targets and pathways, as well as the pathogen. GCI will conduct this program in collaboration with the UK’s Defence Science & Technology Laboratory, the University of Exeter and the US Los Alamos National Laboratory.