The Antimicrobials Working Group (AWG) has announced the addition of three new members to its coalition of companies with the mission to combat drug resistant infections and spur life-saving innovations. Motif Bio PLC, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel antibiotics to treat hospitalized patients with serious and life-threatening infections caused by multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria. Spero Therapeutics, is a multi-asset, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on identifying, developing and commercializing novel treatments for MDR bacterial infections. Additionally, AWG recently welcomed Vical Incorporated, a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of products for the prevention and treatment of chronic or life-threatening infectious diseases based on patented DNA delivery technologies and other therapeutic approaches.

These new additions bring AWG's membership to 17 antimicrobial drug and diagnostic device development companies.

"Since AWG was founded in 2012, the coalition has grown substantially in size and scope, and has become increasingly influential in driving legislation and public policy that promote innovation in the treatment of infectious diseases," said Jeffrey Stein, Ph.D., chairman of AWG. "Through the strength of our collective membership, AWG looks forward to continued engagement with key stakeholders to remove hurdles that prevent health care professionals from having a full armamentarium of treatment options to combat drug-resistant threats."

"The AWG is playing a critical role in raising awareness and increasing understanding of the urgent need for new and innovative antimicrobials.  We are delighted to be joining the group at a time of critical importance for Motif as we prepare to submit our first New Drug Application (NDA)," said Graham Lumsden, chief executive officer of Motif Bio.

"Spero Therapeutics is proud to become a member of the AWG and we are committed to amplifying the efforts of the committee in its mission to improve the regulatory, political and investment climate for antimicrobial companies," said Ankit Mahadevia, M.D., chief executive officer of Spero Therapeutics.

"New anti-microbial drugs are urgently needed to treat patients with difficult to treat or drug-resistant infections," said Vijay Samant, Vical's president and chief executive officer. "Vical is pleased to be joining in the important policy initiatives of AWG to support in the development and approval of these therapies."

All pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies developing new antimicrobial therapeutics and diagnostic devices are eligible for consideration of membership in AWG. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a member of AWG, please contact us here.