GlaxoSmithKline receives BARDA funding for antibiotic development

GlaxoSmithKline has received a funding commitment from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) in the US to aid the development of a new antibiotic.

The US government body will award $38.5 million (24.15 million pounds) over the next two years to support further research into GSK2251052, an experimental therapy targeting the bacterial enzyme leucyl tRNA synthetase.

Should BARDA exercise options for future funding, the total value of the award could rise to $94.5 million, which will help to encourage GlaxoSmithKline's efforts in the underserved novel antibiotic sector.

The company's studies are currently targeting biothreat pathogens such as Yersinia pestis, the cause of bubonic plague, as well as Bacillus anthracis, which is responsible for anthrax.

David Payne, head of antibacterial drug discovery at GlaxoSmithKline, said: "Such innovative public-private collaborations provide an additional stimulus for antibacterial research and development."

Earlier this week, GlaxoSmithKline expanded its research collaboration with Anacor, which also focuses on new methods of combating leucyl tRNA synthetase.