A new way to tackle
antimicrobial resistance
Vision & Strategy
Santero therapeutics is developing an innovative approach to combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and antibiotic resistance in particular. The company wants to improve global health by developing innovative and safe antibiotics to eradicate multidrug-resistant deadly pathogens
This field of research is one of the world's major public health challenges, as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the top ten threats to humanity, according to the United Nations. The number of deaths associated with AMR is estimated to be around 5 million per year worldwide in 2020, a figure that could double by 2050, and even reach several tens of millions of associated deaths according to recent scientific articles.
Santero therapeutics' mission is to discover and validate first-in-class small molecules active against life-threatening multidrug-resistant pathogens. Its ambition is to set up a technological platform enabling the development of a whole range of new-generation antibiotics, effective against both Gram-positive bacteria (staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus, clostridium...) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae...), which present a serious public health problem, particularly in hospitals.
The company is making rapid progress and is now entering the “lead optimization” phase, which is necessary before considering any human trials.
Innovation
Discovery of a new mode of action!
Santero therapeutics researchers have already identified several highly promising molecules (hit-to-lead phase) and demonstrated the concrete in vivo action of two of them.
The new mode of action involves attacking a weak point in bacteria, a sort of Achilles heel present in most of them: their resistance to chemical stress (temperature, acidity, lack of nutrients...). By disrupting or breaking this essential mechanism, it is possible to kill them or block their growth.
More specifically, Santero therapeutics' approach is to target the stress response enzyme. By inhibiting the RSH enzyme, the compound SAN-001 (a first-in-class drug candidate with a bactericidal effect on Staphylococcus aureus), blocks the bacterial regulation of alarmone content, a vital pathway for pathogen survival during infection.
Given its crucial role in all bacterial families, this enzyme holds out the prospect of attacking all types of bacterial infection. This opens therapeutic avenues for a multitude of clinical indications.
What's more, Santero therapeutics' SAN-001 compound has been shown in vitro to be insensitive to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The new mode of action therefore seems equally promising in this respect.
Financing
Support our development as an investor
Supported from the outset by private and public investors aware of the urgent need for innovation in the field of antimicrobial resistance, Santero therapeutics has already raised a total of €10.5 million, part of which has been subsidized by the Walloon Region.
The investors involved in this public health battle include the Newton Biocapital life sciences investment fund, a consortium of business angels, the Belgian sovereign wealth fund SFPIM (Société Fédérale de Participations et d'Investissement), WE (Wallonie Entreprendre) and Sambrinvest.
To support its “lead optimization” development phase, Santero therapeutics is currently raising a further €10 million.
Please do not hesitate to Contact Us for further information.
Our public partners
With the support of the Walloon Region
