Acurx's DNA pol IIIC Inhibitor Shows Promising Gut Microbiome Selectivity at IDWeek 2025

Acurx Pharmaceuticals Unveils New Findings on DNA pol IIIC Inhibitor at IDWeek 2025

Acurx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has recently showcased innovative research on its unique DNA polymerase IIIC (pol IIIC) inhibitor, ibezapolstat, during the IDWeek 2025 Scientific Conference. This event, held in Atlanta from October 19 to October 22, highlighted Acurx's commitment to pioneering new antibiotic treatments that tackle complex bacterial infections.

In a detailed presentation led by Medical Director Dr. Michael Silverman and microbiology expert Dr. Kevin Garey, groundbreaking data were shared on ibezapolstat's selective antibacterial activity in the gut. Unlike other antibiotics that can disrupt the microbiome's balance, ibezapolstat has been shown to spare beneficial bacteria that metabolize bile acids. This characteristic not only contributes to a favorable gut profile but also supports the antibiotic's effectiveness against Clostridioides difficile Infection (CDI), an infection with significant recurrence rates.

The findings indicated that ibezapolstat offers a promising solution for treating infections without causing harm to the microbiome. Dr. Garey's laboratory research at the University of Houston suggested that the microbiome-sparing effects observed may benefit from a class effect among other Acurx DNA pol IIIC inhibitors currently in preclinical development. This revelation could mark a significant advance in antibiotic therapies, especially given the troubling increase in antibiotic resistance.

Understanding the implications of gut bacteria is vital, given the statistic that CDI affects a staggering 500,000 patients each year in the U.S. alone. Standard treatments often lead to reinfection, with rates as high as 40%. The ability of ibezapolstat to maintain a healthy microbiome while effectively battling CDI represents a revolutionary shift in treatment strategies.

The presentation further provided insights into how the antibiotic impacts bile acid metabolism. The treatment with ibezapolstat resulted in increased production of secondary bile acids, known for their protective role in preventing CDI. This stands in contrast to the current comparator antibiotic, linezolid, which exhibited adverse effects on gut health. The data revealed that mice treated with linezolid experienced a rise in harmful bacteria, underscoring the potential risks associated with traditional antibiotics.

Acurx's Executive Chairman, Robert J. DeLuccia, emphasized the firm's mission to change the landscape of antibiotic treatment for Gram-positive pathogens. Previous approaches to antibiotics often disrupted the microbiome, leading to a cycle of reinfection and further complications. Acurx's unique development trajectory aims to break this cycle by offering innovative antibiotics that not only target harmful pathogens but also preserve the gut's healthy microbiome.

The research shared at IDWeek 2025 positions Acurx favorably within the biopharmaceutical landscape, highlighting its dedication to combatting antimicrobial resistance through a new class of antibiotics. This year marks an important transition for Acurx, as its lead candidate, ibezapolstat, navigates its Phase 3 clinical trials for CDI. With previous FDA designations, including Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) and Fast Track status, Acurx is poised to potentially revolutionize how CDI is treated, contributing urgently needed solutions in healthcare.

Looking forward, Acurx has plans to initiate international clinical trials, bolstered by supportive feedback from both the FDA and EMA, ensuring a clear path toward regulatory approval. With an extensive pipeline targeting a variety of Gram-positive pathogens, Acurx is set to redefine therapeutic offerings in infectious diseases. Further details from the presentations discussed at IDWeek can be accessed via Acurx Pharmaceuticals’ official website.

As antibiotic resistance escalates globally, Acurx Pharmaceuticals’ innovative strategies may not only represent hope for patients suffering from CDI but also paint a promising picture for future treatments of diverse bacterial infections.