Locus Biosciences
Locus Biosciences is a biotechnology company focused on developing precision medicines to combat antimicrobial resistance and treat microbiome-related diseases, utilizing CRISPR-engineered bacteriophage therapies and a robust biopharmaceutical development platform.
Company Overview
Locus Biosciences is focused on developing precision medicines designed to combat antimicrobial resistance and treat diseases of the microbiome. The company employs advanced technologies like CRISPR-engineered bacteriophage therapy to target and eliminate pathogenic bacterial species while preserving beneficial bacteria. Locus Biosciences is at the forefront of creating therapeutics by leveraging bacteria in the microbiome, contributing to their mission of addressing significant health challenges.
Funding and Support
Locus Biosciences has received substantial financial backing to advance its innovative therapies. Notably, the company secured $23.9 million in funding from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to support the first Phase 2 clinical trial of its CRISPR-engineered bacteriophage therapy. This funding underscores the potential and promise of Locus Biosciences' approach to treating bacterial infections and antimicrobial resistance.
Pharmaceutical Collaborations
Locus Biosciences has established significant partnerships to bolster its product development initiatives. Collaborations with entities such as Janssen Pharmaceuticals and the Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator (CARB-X) are central to its strategy. These partnerships facilitate the development of targeted precision therapeutics against key bacterial pathogens like E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and K. pneumoniae, enhancing Locus Biosciences' capacity to innovate in the field.
Advanced Manufacturing Facilities
Locus Biosciences operates a state-of-the-art biologics manufacturing facility, awarded the ISPE 2021 'Facility of the Year'. This 10,000 sq ft modular cGMP facility is equipped with high-throughput robotics and next-generation DNA sequencing technologies. It supports the comprehensive biopharmaceutical development process from early development stages through to early commercial launch, ensuring high standards and scalability in production processes.
Technological Platforms
Locus Biosciences has developed a powerful biopharmaceutical development platform focused on selectively removing pathogenic bacterial species or leveraging bacteria to produce therapeutic payloads. Utilizing high-throughput robotics and next-generation DNA sequencing, the platform is integral to discovering and developing CRISPR-engineered bacteriophage therapies. This innovation is pivotal in creating precision treatments that tackle complex infectious diseases while preserving the host’s microbiome.