Venus Remedies Ltd. has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with UK-based Infex Therapeutics for the development and commercialization of MET-X in India. MET-X is a novel metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) inhibitor designed to combat drug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections.

This strategic collaboration grants Venus Remedies the rights to spearhead clinical development, regulatory approvals, and commercialization of MET-X in India, focusing on its integration with meropenem to tackle infections resistant to conventional treatments.

India faces a significant healthcare challenge with high rates of meropenem resistance, reported at 62-87 percent in WHO-critical priority pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae. With no approved MBL inhibitors currently available in the country, MET-X is set to be a game-changer in combating antimicrobial resistance in hospital settings. Venus Remedies will initiate Phase I clinical trials in India, testing MET-X in combination with meropenem.

Future trials will target complicated urinary tract infections (cUTIs), a prevalent issue in hospital environments. All clinical trials will adhere to international standards, complying with FDA, EMA, and ICMR guidelines, which will also support potential global commercialization efforts.

Commenting on the partnership, Saransh Chaudhary, President of Global Critical Care at Venus Remedies and CEO of Venus Medicine Research Center, stated that the early-stage introduction of MET-X into the Indian market aligns with the company’s long-standing expertise in AMR-focused research and development, as well as its leadership in critical care therapies. He emphasized that this collaboration will strengthen Venus Remedies’ antibiotic pipeline, ensuring high-quality research and a strong market presence.

Pawan Chaudhary, Chairman and Managing Director of Venus Remedies Ltd, highlighted that the in-licensing of MET-X marks a significant milestone in the company's commitment to addressing drug-resistant infections in India. He reiterated the company’s aim to develop a highly effective solution for MBL-producing pathogens, reinforcing its dedication to transformative therapies and continued innovation in critical care.

Dr. Peter Jackson, CEO of Infex Therapeutics, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating that this agreement will facilitate the comprehensive clinical development of MET-X in India. He noted that by leveraging Venus Remedies’ robust expertise in critical care antibiotics, MET-X’s progress can be accelerated, ensuring its availability in global markets, including the UK, US, and Europe. With this agreement, Venus Remedies continues its mission to provide cutting-edge solutions in antimicrobial resistance and strengthen its leadership in India's pharmaceutical landscape.