STATEN ISLAND, N.Y., June 16, 2026
Acurx Pharmaceuticals has announced the presentation of new scientific findings from its ongoing collaboration with Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) at the prestigious Leiden Early Drug Discovery & Development (LED3) Scientific Conference, highlighting the potential of its novel DNA polymerase IIIC (DNA pol IIIC) inhibitor platform to address the growing global challenge of antimicrobial resistance. The research focused on ibezapolstat, Acurx’s lead antibiotic candidate, and related compounds that selectively target Gram-positive bacteria through a unique mechanism of action. The findings further strengthen the scientific foundation behind a new class of antibiotics that could provide innovative treatment options for difficult-to-treat bacterial infections while preserving the healthy gut microbiome. The presentation also reinforces Acurx’s position as a leader in developing next-generation antibacterial therapies at a time when multidrug-resistant pathogens continue to pose significant threats to public health worldwide.
High-Resolution Research Reveals Novel Antibiotic Mechanism
Researchers from Leiden University Medical Center utilized high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy to map the interaction between ibezapolstat and the DNA pol IIIC enzyme at an exceptional resolution of 3.2Å, providing new insights into how the drug selectively inhibits bacterial DNA replication. The study demonstrated that the active binding site targeted by ibezapolstat is highly conserved across more than 220 Gram-positive bacterial species, suggesting broad therapeutic potential against a range of clinically significant pathogens.
Scientists observed that the compound’s unique molecular structure enables selective inhibition of Gram-positive bacteria while minimizing disruption to beneficial microorganisms. These findings provide valuable information that may support the rational design of future compounds with enhanced potency and improved drug-like characteristics, advancing efforts to combat antibiotic resistance through precision antimicrobial development.
Ibezapolstat Advances Toward Global Phase 3 Development
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Acurx’s lead antibiotic candidate, ibezapolstat, is currently Phase 3 ready for the treatment of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), a major healthcare-associated infection affecting hundreds of thousands of patients annually. Previous clinical studies have demonstrated promising efficacy while maintaining a favorable microbiome profile, a key differentiator from many existing antibiotics. Regulatory progress has also been significant, with ibezapolstat receiving both FDA Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) and Fast Track Designations, as well as Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) status from the European Medicines Agency. The company recently received positive scientific advice from European regulators supporting its planned international Phase 3 registration program. These developments position ibezapolstat as one of the most advanced candidates in a new class of antibiotics targeting Gram-positive bacterial infections.
Expanding Pipeline Targets Antimicrobial Resistance Challenges
Beyond CDI, Acurx continues to expand its pipeline of DNA pol IIIC inhibitors aimed at addressing multiple high-priority infectious diseases. The company’s research efforts include programs targeting MRSA, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), drug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Bacillus anthracis, the pathogen responsible for anthrax. Development is also underway for an oral treatment targeting Acute Bacterial Skin and Skin Structure Infections (ABSSSI), while parallel planning is progressing for post-exposure prophylaxis against inhalation anthrax.
The collaboration between Acurx and LUMC, partially supported through a public-private partnership grant, demonstrates how academic and industry expertise can accelerate innovation in antibiotic discovery. As antimicrobial resistance continues to emerge as one of the most urgent global health challenges, the company’s novel approach offers promising opportunities to develop effective new therapies capable of overcoming resistant bacterial infections and improving patient outcomes worldwide.
Source: Acurx Pharmaceuticals press release
