Basilea Secures $39M BARDA Funding for Antifungal Development

Basilea Pharmaceutica, a Swiss biopharmaceutical company, has successfully accessed the next tranche of U.S. government funding to advance its pipeline of novel antifungal treatments. The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) has allocated $39 million to support Basilea's ongoing efforts in combating life-threatening fungal infections.

BARDA Agreement and Funding Details

In September 2024, Basilea entered into a long-term agreement with BARDA, potentially worth up to $268 million over 12 years. This latest $39 million tranche follows an initial $29 million secured earlier for the development of antifungals fosmanogepix and BAL2062. The funding is contingent upon Basilea meeting specific clinical and regulatory milestones, as well as BARDA's decision to extend the contract.

David Veitch, CEO of Basilea, expressed satisfaction with the continued support, stating, "We are very pleased to receive the continued funding under the [agreement] with BARDA to support the development of our antifungal drug candidates fosmanogepix and BAL2062."

Antifungal Pipeline Advancements

The newly acquired funds will be allocated to two key antifungal candidates in Basilea's portfolio:

1. Fosmanogepix: A broad-spectrum antifungal originally developed by Amplyx Pharmaceuticals and acquired from Pfizer in 2023. The funding will support:

   • An ongoing phase 3 study in yeast infections
   • The launch of a new late-stage trial in mold infections

2. BAL2062: An antifungal compound purchased from Gravitas Therapeutics, targeting molds such as Aspergillus. The funding will facilitate:

   • Preparation for a phase 2 study

Veitch highlighted the significance of these compounds, noting, "Both compounds offer a novel mechanism of action and represent new therapeutic options for patients with aspergillosis, candidiasis or other life-threatening fungal infections. These infections primarily affect patients with weakened immune systems, such as cancer or transplant patients."

Basilea's Strategic Focus on Anti-Infectives

Basilea's collaboration with BARDA dates back to 2013 when the agency committed $89 million to fund the development of the antibiotic BAL30072. Despite discontinuing that candidate in 2016, Basilea has maintained its commitment to anti-infective research.

In a strategic shift, Basilea pivoted away from oncology to focus on anti-infectives in 2023. This move contrasts with the trend among major pharmaceutical companies, many of which have abandoned antifungal and antibiotic research due to low returns on investment.

Basilea currently markets two anti-infective products: Cresemba for invasive fungal infections and Zevtera for bacterial infections. The company's continued investment in this area, supported by BARDA funding, underscores the critical need for new treatments to combat resistant fungal and bacterial infections.