Destiny Pharma Ltd
Destiny Pharma conducts proprietary and contract research within the pharmaceutical R&D business sector.
Sir Nigel Rudd to lead company behind MRSA cure
Sir Nigel Rudd today announced his latest role as Chairman of anti-microbial drug development company Destiny Pharma. The head of BAA and former chief of Boots will lead a newly enhanced Board including Dr David Roblin, former Senior Vice President and Head of Research at Pfizer’s European R&D operation.
Founded in 1997 Sussex-based Destiny Pharma has developed a pipeline of drugs designed to avoid the microbial resistance problems associated with traditional antibiotics. Its lead drug, codenamed XF-73, kills antibiotic resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus (SA)[1]like MRSA without engendering bacterial resistance. Under the leadership of CEO Dr Bill Love successful human trials in the UK[2]recently prompted the U.S. Government’s National Institute for Allergies and Infections Diseases (NIAID) to fund clinical evaluations in the USA.[3]
The strengthening of the Board of Directors is a sign that Destiny Pharma is preparing for the final stages of developing and commercialising XF-73, its lead product for the prevention of post-surgical Staphylococcal infection; the world’s most common cause of hospital bacterial infection. The company estimates XF-73 could save the NHS £7billion over ten years by preventing infections.
With a reputation as a dealmaker Sir Nigel Rudd is an internationally renowned business director. His past and present Chairman roles include £2billion high tech company Invensys, Boots the chemist, car dealer Pendragon and airport operator BAA as well as Deputy Chairman of Barclays. In 2007 Sir Nigel steered Boots through a dramatic takeover, making it the first FTSE 100 company to go private, at a price that exceeded City expectations. He was knighted in 1996 for services to the manufacturing industry.
[1] A peer reviewed in vitro passage study conducted in 2008 showed XF-73 was effective against five of the most difficult to treat strains of MRSA even after 55 repeat exposures.
[2] Destiny Pharma reported successful Phase I clinical trial results for XF-73 at the Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy ICAAC) in Boston in September 2010.
[3]XF-73 was selected for Phase I clinical evaluation by NIAID in August 2011. The study, which will be funded by NIAID, is expected to start in early 2012.
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