Recce’s Inhaled RECCE 327 Slashes Drug-Resistant Pneumonia in Preclinical Tests

• RECCE 327 shows >99.99% bacterial reduction in lung infections
• Effective nebulised delivery overcomes solubility limits of standard antibiotics
• Targets critical multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in hospital pneumonia
• Preclinical data supports inhaled therapy potential in severe pulmonary infections
• Murdoch Children’s Research Institute collaboration advances clinical development

A New Weapon Against Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia

Recce Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX – RCE) has unveiled promising preclinical data for its synthetic anti-infective RECCE 327 (R327), showing significant efficacy against multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, a notorious pathogen responsible for hospital and ventilator-acquired pneumonia (HAP/VAP). Conducted in collaboration with the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI), the study highlights R327’s potential to address a critical global health challenge where existing antibiotics often fall short.

Unlike meropenem, a last-resort antibiotic limited by solubility issues that restrict its inhaled use, R327 can be effectively nebulised. This allows direct delivery of the drug to the lungs, the primary site of infection, which is crucial for treating severe pulmonary infections. In mouse models, nebulised R327 achieved a dramatic 4-log reduction in bacterial load; translating to over 99.99% clearance; bringing bacterial counts near the lower limit of detection.

Clinical Implications and Practical Advantages

The ability to administer R327 via nebuliser or ventilator represents a significant practical advantage in hospital settings, especially in intensive care units where rapid and localized treatment is vital. Meropenem’s solubility constraints mean it can only be delivered intranasally, limiting its effectiveness and increasing the risk of systemic side effects such as liver injury. R327’s inhaled formulation not only enhances efficacy but also improves tolerability, as preliminary data showed reductions in key pro-inflammatory markers.

James Graham, Recce’s CEO, emphasised the versatility of R327, noting its potential to transform treatment protocols for drug-resistant lung infections. Dr Sohinee Sarkar, lead investigator at Recce’s Anti-Infective Research Unit, described the findings as a strong foundation for future clinical translation, particularly given the urgent need for new therapies against carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (CRAB).

Strategic Collaboration and Pipeline Outlook

The partnership with MCRI, Australia’s largest child health research institute, underscores Recce’s commitment to rigorous scientific validation. The AIR Unit established in 2023 continues to explore R327’s efficacy across multiple infection models, including sepsis and wound infections, supporting formulation optimisation and regulatory pathways.

Recce’s broader pipeline includes other synthetic polymer anti-infectives targeting bacterial and viral pathogens, with R327 already granted FDA Fast Track designation and Qualified Infectious Disease Product status under the GAIN Act. These designations provide regulatory incentives and market exclusivity, positioning Recce well in the competitive antimicrobial resistance landscape.

While these preclinical results are encouraging, the transition to human clinical trials will be critical to confirm safety and efficacy. The data so far, however, reinforce R327’s potential to fill a significant unmet medical need in treating life-threatening, drug-resistant infections.

Bottom Line?

Recce’s inhaled RECCE 327 could redefine treatment for resistant lung infections; next steps hinge on clinical trial outcomes.

Questions in the middle?

• How will R327 perform in human clinical trials regarding safety and efficacy?
• What is the timeline for regulatory submissions and potential market approval?
• Could R327’s inhaled delivery method become a new standard for treating hospital-acquired pneumonia?