Arpida, the Swiss anti-infectives company, is expecting to commence phase I trials of its anti-infective, AR-709, by early 2005. The anti-infective, which is likely to have nearly $1 billion market, will be available by 2009. The drug is said to be effective against pneumonia, bronchitis and inner ear infections in children, Dr Khalid Islam, president and chief executive officer of the company, told Pharmabiz.

Out of the AR-103 series a novel development candidate, AR-709, exhibiting selective and potent activity against important gram-positive pathogens, including antibiotic resistant strains has been selected for late pre-clinical development. Additional back-up candidates are currently being profiled.

The company uses an integrated multidisciplinary platform including genomics-assisted selection of novel antibacterial targets, assay development, high-throughput screening, and chemistry. The company has several exploratory projects, early and advanced leads, and clinical candidates, he said.

Dr Khalid, who was at Hyderabad recently, revealed that Arpida is looking for partnerships with India in the areas of chemistry and clinical trials. And would be visiting India to look out for tie-ups, during mid-April, this year.