Riptide Bioscience Announces Grant to Develop Advanced Acne Therapeutics
November 2, 2017
SAN FRANCISCO, CA. – Riptide Bioscience, Inc., today announced its receipt of a grant from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, an agency of the National Institutes of Health. The grant is entitled, Designed Antimicrobial Peptides for Treatment of Infectious Acne Vulgaris.
Acne is known to most families as a chronic inflammatory skin disorder which affects more than 80% of adolescents and young adults. Severe acne can not only cause skin disfigurement, but often crippling effects in patients’ self‑esteem and socialization. In addition, as a result of the widespread use of antibiotic chemicals, strains of acne are developing which are antibiotic-resistant and threaten much more serious infections.
“There’s an urgent need for new therapeutics to address antibiotic-resistant acne strains before they pose a public health crisis,” said Dr. Kathryn Woodburn, Riptide’s Vice President for Translational Research and Principal Investigator for the study.
As noted by expert NIH reviewers, Riptide’s ongoing drug development program offers unusual promise to resolve antibiotic-resistant acne. Riptide’s drug candidates are small proteins designed to mimic and enhance the activity of antimicrobial peptides that are part of the body’s first line of defense against bacterial infections.
“Antimicrobial peptides are already in use for several types of infection. They work by direct and immediate killing of the pathogenic bacteria; therefore, they are less susceptible to the bacteria developing antibiotic resistance,” noted Dr. Woodburn. “We’re excited that these peptides may be a safe and effective response to a growing health issue.”
The Riptide “Phase 1” study will evaluate several drug candidates which have already shown promise in preclinical research. If the Phase I research is successful, a lead product candidate is expected to enter studies required by the Food and Drug Administration prior to approval for standard medical practice.
Riptide Bioscience, Inc., with laboratories in Vallejo, California, maintains an intensive program of research into peptide-based therapeutics. Contact: info@riptidebio.com