Lixa, a Perth-based biotechnology company, has announced the launch of its first clinical trial to evaluate the safety and tolerability of NeoX-101, an innovative antibiofilm agent designed to enhance the effectiveness of antibiotics in treating chronic bacterial lung infections. The trial will be conducted at Linear Clinical Research in Nedlands and marks a significant milestone as Lixa transitions to a clinical-stage company.

NeoX-101, invented at the University of Western Australia (UWA), represents a new class of drugs known as "antibiofilm agents." In laboratory studies, the molecule has shown promising results in deconstructing mature bacterial biofilms and restoring bacterial sensitivity to antibiotics. Chronic lung infections, such as those seen in patients with cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis, are notoriously difficult to treat due to antibiotic-resistant biofilms. NeoX-101 aims to overcome this challenge, offering hope for patients with limited treatment options.

“We’re excited to support Lixa in their first clinical trial of NeoX-101 as an inhaled therapy,” stated Dr. Lara Hatchuel, Medical Director of Linear Clinical Research. “As a world leader in early-stage clinical trials, Linear is pleased to collaborate with a local biotech company like Lixa to bring innovative therapies to both our community and the global stage.”

The urgency for new treatments like NeoX-101 is underscored by the increasing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a global health crisis projected to claim over 39 million lives by 2050, according to the Global Research on Antimicrobial Resistance (Gram) Project. NeoX-101 has the potential to reverse bacterial resistance, making existing antibiotics effective once again. This novel approach could play a key role in addressing the rising tide of drug-resistant infections.

Dr. Maud Eijkenboom, Managing Director of Lixa, emphasized the company’s mission: “Our goal is to develop superior treatments for chronic, recalcitrant infections that have become resistant to antibiotics alone. NeoX-101 aims to make trusted antibiotics effective again, offering a critical solution for patients suffering from persistent lung infections who have few options left.”

The ongoing trial will assess the safety of inhaled NeoX-101 in healthy volunteers, with plans to expand testing to patients in future phases. This early-stage study represents a critical step toward delivering a much-needed solution for chronic lung infections, potentially transforming care for patients with conditions like cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis.

Participant Recruitment Now Open

The healthy volunteer trial is currently recruiting participants and is scheduled to take place at Linear Clinical Research in Nedlands during November and December 2024.