NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - November 18, 2010) - ContraFect Corporation, the company that is pioneering the use of recombinant proteins for the treatment of drug resistant bacteria, announced that it has licensed from The Rockefeller University a suite of eight patents to Lysin (anti-bacterial) enzymes.
Lysins are enzymes that dissolve and kill tens of millions of bacteria in seconds. Each Lysin is specific to a single type of bacteria and does not cause the side effects or drug resistance that commonly occur with antibiotics and renders them ineffective. Lysins are remarkably safe, reacting only with targeted bacteria and have no effect on human cells.
Robert Nowinski, CEO and Chairman of ContraFect said, "We believe that there are 12 to 14 potential products that may come from these patents. The Lysins in the agreement cover drug-resistant staph (MRSA) as well as group B streptococcus, pneumococcus, enterococcus, and anthrax. These bacteria cause infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, ear infections in children, and serious infections of the intestine." The eight patents are based on research conducted by Dr. Vincent Fischetti at The Rockefeller University, who is the first scientist to produce recombinant Lysins for therapeutic and prophylactic use.
The combination of Lysins and Monoclonal Antibodies provide ContraFect with a unique therapeutic approach. Lysins possess a therapeutic window that occurs virtually instantly while the Monoclonal Antibodies remain in the blood stream for weeks and provide long-term benefit. This combined approach is of particular importance in treating drug-resistant bacteria.
Dr. Nowinski concluded, "We believe the use of Lysins and Monoclonal Antibodies for the treatment of life-threatening infectious diseases will have significant implications for the treatment of a variety of diseases, particularly MRSA which has become the most significant infection in the hospital and now is responsible for more deaths in the United States than HIV."
ContraFect previously announced that it had successfully raised $14.2 million in Series A and B financings for research and development of its proprietary Lysin and Monoclonal Antibody technologies.
About ContraFect:
ContraFect is a biotechnology company pioneering the use of recombinant proteins to treat life-threatening infectious diseases. Our scientific approach is based on the following principles:
- Infectious diseases will become resistant to mono-therapy
- Combination therapy is required for the treatment of life threatening bacterial and viral diseases
- Lysins provide instant therapy for drug-resistant bacteria, such as staphylococcus (MRSA), streptococcus and intestinal infections
- Monoclonal Antibodies provide long-lasting therapy for bacteria and viral infections
About The Rockefeller University:
Founded by John D. Rockefeller in 1901, The Rockefeller University was this nation's first biomedical research institution. Hallmarks of the University include a research environment that provides scientists with the support they need to do imaginative science, a high quality research hospital, and a truly international graduate program that is unmatched for the freedom and resources it provides students to develop their capacities for innovative research.
Safe Harbor Statement
This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws. Any statements contained herein that do not describe historical facts are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to be materially different from historical results or from any future results expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update or supplement any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Contact Information:
For more information, contact:
Barry Kappel, Ph.D., MBA
VP of Business Development
Tel: 212-359-9552
E-Mail:
or visit: www.contrafect.com