#USA #Las Vegas #Blacksmith Medicines #FG-2101 #IMARI 2026

Introduction

Blacksmith Medicines, Inc., a prominent player in biopharmaceuticals, is poised to make waves at the upcoming Interdisciplinary Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance and Innovation (IMARI) scheduled for January 28-30, 2026, in Las Vegas, NV. The focus of their presentation will be the innovative antibacterial drug candidate FG-2101, primarily designed to combat multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens. This breakthrough was made possible through advanced research into metalloenzymes, which are crucial for bacterial survival.

Overview of FG-2101

FG-2101 represents a significant advancement in antibiotic development, specifically targeting the enzyme LpxC. This enzyme is vital for the survival of many Gram-negative bacteria but is absent in Gram-positive bacteria and human cells, making it an ideal target for therapeutic intervention. Blacksmith is not only advancing FG-2101 for intravenous use but is also developing an oral formulation, making it versatile in treating infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms.

Presentation Details

Dr. Andrew Tomaras, Senior Vice President at Blacksmith, will lead a session titled "FG-2101: A Potential First-in-Class LpxC Inhibitor with Activity Against Multidrug-Resistant Enterobacterales and Demonstrated and Differentiated Preclinical Safety" on January 29, 2026, from 10:15 AM to 10:30 AM PDT. This session will comprehensively cover the in vitro and in vivo data that underline the efficacy and safety profile of FG-2101, showcasing results from both Blacksmith's laboratories and collaborations with academic institutions.

Poster Presentation

In addition to the session, Blacksmith will also present a poster titled "FG-2101: A Potential First-in-Class LpxC Inhibitor..." during Poster Session #2 on January 30, 2026, from 10:45 AM to 12:15 PM PST. This poster will include additional findings and visual data, further emphasizing the drug's potential as a leading contender in the fight against resistant bacterial strains.

Collaborations and Research Impact

Blacksmith's presentation will also highlight their collaboration with Dr. David Andes from the University of Wisconsin. His poster will delve into a unique mouse model study that evaluates the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of FG-2101, illuminating how this novel treatment can be optimized for combatting serious infections.

Significance of LpxC Inhibitors

LpxC inhibitors have been historically challenging to develop due to poor drug-like properties observed in previous candidates, primarily those based on hydroxamic acids. However, Blacksmith’s innovative approaches have yielded non-hydroxamate LpxC inhibitors that not only demonstrate safety but also effectively target multidrug-resistant pathogens, which have become increasingly prevalent and pose significant public health challenges.

About the Blacksmith Platform

The foundational goal of Blacksmith Medicines is to pioneer therapies targeting metal-dependent enzymes— a group that comprises over 30% of known enzymes. The platform utilizes a proprietary blend of metal-binding pharmacophores and computational tools to design effective inhibitors, making it a formidable player in the field of drug development against antibiotic resistance.

Conclusion

The work being presented by Blacksmith Medicines at IMARI 2026 represents cutting-edge progress in the ongoing battle against antimicrobial resistance. FG-2101 not only promises a novel treatment pathway but also embodies Blacksmith's commitment to scientific innovation and collaboration in addressing one of the most pressing health crises of our time. Following the conference, further insights and detailed findings will be made available on their website, ensuring that this critical research reaches a wider audience.

For further updates, please visit Blacksmith Medicines.