A Glasgow professor’s company, Glox Therapeutics, has received a significant boost in funding to continue its efforts in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to antibiotics. The £1 million grant from Pathways to Antimicrobial Clinical Efficacy (PACE) will allow Glox to expand its team and accelerate the development of antibiotics targeting drug-resistant bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, which can cause serious conditions like pneumonia and blood stream infections.
Glox Therapeutics was founded in February 2023 by Daniel Walker from the University of Glasgow (now at the University of Strathclyde) and Colin Kleanthous from the University of Oxford, both experts in bacteriocin research. The company’s unique technology has been recognized by PACE for its groundbreaking potential in addressing the global threat of AMR.
James Clark, the chief executive of Glox, expressed gratitude for the support from PACE and highlighted the importance of their innovative technology in combating life-threatening pathogens. The company’s therapeutics target specific pathogens without harming the human microbiome, offering a more effective treatment strategy with reduced side effects compared to conventional antibiotics.
Scottish Enterprise, an investor in Glox, emphasized the significance of this funding for the company’s growth in a critical development area. By supporting scaling businesses like Glox, Scottish Enterprise aims to create more high-value jobs and contribute to the transformation of the Scottish economy. Collaboration with partners like Innovate UK enables ambitious high-growth businesses in Scotland to access the innovation support needed to grow and scale effectively.
The investment from PACE not only benefits Glox Therapeutics but also highlights the importance of ongoing research and development in the fight against antibiotic resistance. With the rise of drug-resistant bacteria posing a significant threat to global health, initiatives like PACE play a crucial role in supporting innovative solutions to address this urgent challenge. Glox’s work in developing engineered bacteriocins represents a promising approach to tackling AMR and improving treatment outcomes for serious infections caused by resistant pathogens.