BioFilm Control is developing a technology to detect the "biofilm" behaviour of microorganisms, a part of the life cycle in "slowed down life inside a protective gangue" mode, which is at the origin of the development of antibiotic resistance. With this technology, BioFilm Control has developed an in vitro diagnostic antibiofilmogram test and antibiofilm active ingredients. Thierry Bernardi, President of BioFilm Control, talks about his collaboration with 3Biotech.
In what context and at what stages did 3Biotech intervene in your project?
3Biotech was involved in the development of antibiofilm actives, highly innovative molecules with properties that complement standard antibiotics and increase their effectiveness. With his CMC expertise, Olivier Favre-Bulle of 3Biotech participated in the prioritisation of the most promising compounds according to their chemical structure, making it possible to evaluate the ease of synthesis, conditioning their production costs, as well as the toxic risks... a whole rational chain of decision-making requiring a great deal of practical, scientific, technical and even financial experience to evaluate the levels of investment necessary at each stage. All this in an efficient, highly professional, quality working environment.
How has 3Biotech's approach been innovative and contributed to your success?
Olivier Favre-Bulle challenged the project by asking questions that allowed us to identify the risks of failure and to precisely define the TPP. He intervened in a due diligence approach, with a critical and benevolent eye on the business project, paying attention to the source at the R&D level (which molecules are entering the screen?) as well as to the purpose at the clinical level (which galenic form is planned?).
He also participated in some brain storming sessions to set up development plans and he contributes to the evaluation of the operational staff.
What has been the outcome of this collaboration?
To date, 2 drugable actives have been successfully characterised in mouse models. The project is seeking funding to move to a pig model and to follow the ADME-Tox phases, in particular with a major pharmaceutical company for whom our antibiofilms are seen as "enabling agents".