Can Recce’s Gel Overcome Antibiotic Resistance Risks in Burn Wound Care?

Recce Pharmaceuticals’ RECCE 327 Topical Gel shows statistically significant superiority over standard antibiotics in treating antibiotic-resistant burn wounds in preclinical models, advancing its U.S. Department of Defense collaboration.

  • RECCE 327 Gel significantly reduces MRSA and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterial loads
  • Demonstrates faster wound contraction compared to Soframycin and untreated controls
  • Once-daily application offers potential clinical and economic advantages
  • Supported by a US$2 million DoD grant and CRADA with USAMRIID
  • Preclinical results bolster ongoing development for challenging antibiotic-resistant infections
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Breakthrough in Burn Wound Treatment

Recce Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX, RCE) has announced compelling preclinical results for its RECCE 327 Topical Gel (R327G), demonstrating significant efficacy against two of the most problematic antibiotic-resistant pathogens, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These bacteria are notorious for complicating wound healing, particularly in burn victims, and are listed by the World Health Organization as critical threats to human health.

In rat infection models, R327G not only drastically reduced bacterial loads, achieving up to a 99.99% reduction against P. aeruginosa by day eight, but also accelerated wound healing beyond the performance of Soframycin, a standard topical antibiotic. This dual action of potent antimicrobial activity combined with enhanced wound contraction positions R327G as a promising candidate in the fight against resistant infections.

Clinical and Practical Advantages

One notable aspect of the study was the once-daily application of R327G, compared to Soframycin’s twice-daily regimen. This reduced dosing frequency could translate into improved patient compliance, less burden on healthcare providers, and potential cost savings, factors that are critical in both civilian and military healthcare settings.

Importantly, the gel was well tolerated in the animal models, with no adverse effects observed, supporting its safety profile as development progresses.

Strategic Collaboration and Future Prospects

These results come as part of Recce’s ongoing collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense, backed by a US$2 million grant and a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID). The partnership underscores the strategic importance of developing effective treatments for burn wounds complicated by resistant infections, a significant concern for military medicine.

James Graham, CEO of Recce Pharmaceuticals, highlighted the significance of these findings, emphasizing the potential of R327G to address urgent unmet medical needs and the company’s commitment to advancing this novel therapy through further development stages.

Looking Ahead

While these preclinical results are promising, the transition to human clinical trials will be a critical next step to confirm efficacy and safety in patients. The broader implications for antimicrobial resistance and wound care could be substantial if R327G continues to demonstrate superior performance.

Bottom Line?

Recce’s RECCE 327 Gel advances as a potent contender against resistant infections, with clinical trials on the horizon.

Questions in the middle?

  • How will R327G perform in human clinical trials compared to existing treatments?
  • What is the timeline for regulatory approvals and potential market entry?
  • Could once-daily dosing reshape standard care protocols for infected burn wounds?