NexaBiome accelerates development of novel diabetic foot treatment with Scottish Enterprise funding

UK biotechnology company NexaBiome Life Sciences Ltd has received continued funding from Scotland's national economic development agency, Scottish Enterprise, to accelerate its breakthrough bacteriophage technology for the treatment of diabetic foot infections (DFIs).

The funding is the second tranche of support in a £125k project to support the development of a stable, room-temperature wound dressing aimed at treating DFIs, a severe complication of diabetes that has been exacerbated by drug-resistant bacteria and which can lead to amputation or death.

The grant supports NexaBiome’s commitment to developing alternative medicines to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Dr. Jason Clark, Chief Executive Officer at NexaBiome, said: “We’re grateful for Scottish Enterprise’s ongoing support. This will help accelerate the development of our formulation for DFIs, which has the potential to transform patient care and outcomes. Every day, we move closer to making accessible phage-based treatments a reality.”

Jane Martin Managing Director of Innovation and Investment at Scottish Enterprise said: “We are proud to have supported Nexabiome over the years with funding and advice as the company has developed its life-saving diabetic treatment.

“By focussing on high growth industries Scottish Enterprise can help companies to scale and transform Scotland’s economy, drive economic growth and strengthen Scotland’s reputation as a leader in health innovation.”

AMR is listed as one of the most pressing global health challenges, with the World Health Organisation predicting that drug-resistant diseases could cause up to 10 million deaths a year by 2050.

NexaBiome’s human health programme is focused on expanding the use of phage therapy to tackle drug-resistant bacterial infections, using its patented phage stabilising bacteriophage technology. The company is working to take phage therapy through clinical trials to develop licensed medicines that can be used as an alternative or complementary treatment to antibiotics.