Country for PR: United Kingdom
Contributor: PR Newswire Europe
Friday, March 29 2019 - 11:52
AsiaNet
Micreos Raises Euro 30 Million for Endolysin Technology Set to Replace Antibiotics
THE HAGUE, Netherlands, March 29, 2019 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ --

Funding for clinical development program XZ.700 and Gladskin Eczema USA launch 

Dutch biotechnology company Micreos announced it has secured Euro30 million in 
funding to accelerate the development of its endolysin technology, set to 
replace antibiotics. Proceeds are earmarked for the clinical development 
program of its endolysin XZ.700 and the USA launch of its breakthrough OTC 
Gladskin product for eczema.

According to the World Health Organization, antibiotic resistance is one of the 
world's biggest health threats. The call for true alternatives is more pressing 
than ever. Antibiotics do not distinguish between bad and good bacteria, and 
their use induces resistance. 

Endolysins have three distinct features: (1) ability to target only unwanted 
bacteria while preserving the microbiome, which is essential for our health. 
(2) ability to kill antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria (3) emergence of 
resistance against endolysins is not expected. 

Endolysin technology opens a new therapeutic window for treatment of chronic 
inflammatory conditions, such as atopic dermatitis and persistent wound 
infections, including those caused by MRSA.

Micreos' Staphefekt(TM) SA.100, is the world's first endolysin approved for 
human use. It selectively targets Staphylococcus aureus - often referred to as 
'Staph' - which is a major trigger of eczema and other inflammatory skin 
conditions.

Video: how Staphefekt(TM)works in eczema: https://youtu.be/qxg2kxfFw6Q

"Since its introduction, Gladskin has helped over 100.000 people in Europe with 
eczema, acne, and rosacea, many of them reporting a life-changing impact,'' 
remarked Skyler Stein, Head of Gladskin USA. "Gladskin is pioneering the use of 
endolysins to rebalance the skin microbiome and improve skin health." Chosen as 
Europe's Most Impactful Innovation 2018, Gladskin is now preparing its launch 
in the United States.

The Euro30 million funding includes a non-dilutive Euro5.4 million Innovation 
Credit granted by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs. Micreos has conducted 
several studies with Gladskin, including trials on eczema, acne and rosacea. 
Studies in orphan indications with a high unmet need, like primary immune 
deficiencies and Netherton disease are ongoing.

Micreos CEO Mark Offerhaus noted: "This funding from existing and new investors 
will advance the adoption of our endolysin technology and help us reach the 
millions who stand to benefit. We are exploring partnerships to further 
accelerate the commercialization of our technology."

About Micreos

Micreos is a Dutch biotechnology company with production and R&D centers for 
endolysins in Bilthoven and for phages in Wageningen. Micreos maintains a 
long-term collaboration with ETH Zurich (Prof Loessner) in Switzerland and 
numerous medical and technology centres, including Erasmus MC (Rotterdam), the 
Public Health Lab Kennemerland, the Dutch Burn Centres (Beverwijk), Copenhagen 
University and many others. Gladskin is a Micreos Human Health brand 
(www.gladskin.com) for inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, 
inflammatory acne, psoriasis and rosacea. Phageguard is the Micreos Food Safety 
brand for FDA- and USDA-approved phage products against Listeria, Salmonella 
and E. coli (www.phageguard.com).

Websites: www.micreos.com, www.gladskin.com, www.phageguard.com

(Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/843302/Skyler_Headshot.jpg)
(Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/843301/Micreos_IdeasFromEurope.jpg)
(Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/843300/Gladskin_products_30_ml.jpg)
  
Source: Micreos