The Swiss biotech says the ERADICATE trial shows areas of differentiation for the antibiotic, like utility in pneumonia and across gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria.

Entasis is seeking a pathogen-specific approval for its antibiotic/beta lactamase inhibitor candidate rather than an indication specific the site of an infection. Achaogen’s earlier failure to do the same may have helped set a path.

With Phase III data showing non-inferiority to colistin, as well as nephrotoxicity superiority, Entasis thinks sulbactam/durlobactam will provide a new standard of care and succeed where Achaogen’s Zemdri failed.

Cipla, which has long-standing experience in antibiotic development in India, strikes alliance with US firm SIGA Technologies. The partners are targeting novel antibacterials, especially against biothreats, and expect to cater to US agency BARDA, among others.