Chemspec News: DSM and Novacta enter C. difficile project

DSM BioSolutions has entered into an agreement with Novacta Biosystems, Welwyn Garden City, UK, for the process development and cGMP production of its C. difficile molecule, a new class of antibiotic compounds.

DSM has completed the process development and begun cGMP manufacturing of the Novacta compound at its microbial fermentation biotech facility in Capua, Italy. The product will initially be used for pre-clinical and phase I clinical trials. DSM’s Capua facility is equipped for the production of biologically active compounds produced via microbial fermentation and has extensive experience in both bacterial and fungal fermentation.

Villaume Kal, vice president of DSM BioSolutions, said: 'We are excited to work with Novacta Biosystems, an innovative and progressive biopharmaceutical company developing treatments for infectious diseases. Our technology, operational excellence and outstanding cGMP and compliance record with the FDA allows us to serve this important customer and to produce its clinical trial material.'

Mike Dawson, CSO of Novacta, added: 'We have chosen to work with DSM as it has an impressive track record for scaling up fermentation processes for antibacterial agents from actinomycetes.'