ContraFect announces initiation of Phase 1b/2 study of exebacase

ContraFect announced the initiation of a Phase 1b/2 of exebacase in the setting of an arthroscopic debridement, antibiotics, irrigation, and retention procedure in patients with chronic prosthetic joint infections of the knee due to Staphylococcus aureus or Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci. "With the initiation of this trial, we have reached yet another significant milestone for the company in a short period of time. This study of exebacase in patients with chronic PJI provides the opportunity to demonstrate clinical efficacy in a new setting and build on the positive data we have seen through compassionate use. Currently, prosthetic joint infections are extremely difficult and expensive to treat as antibiotics fail to clear the bacterial biofilms on the prostheses, often resulting in multiple surgeries, or revisions, of the prosthetic implant. Patients suffer tremendous loss of mobility and are often immobilized prior to and during the surgical procedures. The high infection recurrence rate leaves physicians and patients with no other options. We hope to bring a new treatment modality to this patient population that has the potential to clear biofilms and greatly improve their quality of life," said Roger Pomerantz, MD, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of ContraFect. "We are all excited to be back in the clinic and look forward to having two programs in clinical development with the expected advancement of our second program, CF-370, for the potential treatment of respiratory and other infections due to Gram-negative pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant strains, into a Phase 1 study later this year."