Savara Pharmaceuticals Raises $10 Million to Advance AeroVanc for MRSA Lung Infection in People with Cystic Fibrosis

AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Savara Pharmaceuticals announced today that it closed a $10 million bridge financing round to support the  development of AeroVanc, the first inhaled antibiotic being developed to address the growing number of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) lung infections in people with cystic fibrosis (CF). Previous investors participated in the financing, and new investors include boutique investment funds and family offices.

Concurrent with the financing, Savara announced it has completed enrollment in its 80-patient randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2 trial of AeroVanc. This study is being carried out at 40 CF centers nationwide and is evaluating the safety and efficacy of either 32 mg or 64 mg doses of AeroVanc inhaled twice daily. The company expects top line results to be available in the first quarter of 2015.

"First and foremost, Savara will use the additional financing to support the continued development of AeroVanc for people with CF who often struggle with persistent MRSA infection," said Rob Neville, Chief Executive Officer of Savara Pharmaceuticals. "In addition, the financing adds to our resources for corporate development as we look to expand our pipeline to prepare for Savara's next stage of growth."

Last December the U.S. Food and Drug Administration designated AeroVanc as a Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) and granted it Fast Track status in this lead indication, providing access to incentives including priority review and an additional five years of market exclusivity. The product also has an orphan designation, providing a total of 12 years of market exclusivity.

About AeroVanc

Vancomycin is an FDA-approved intravenously administered antibiotic with proven efficacy in the treatment of MRSA infections. AeroVanc is an investigational, proprietary inhaled dry powder form of vancomycin in a capsule-based device designed for convenient self-administration. AeroVanc is currently being developed as a treatment for persistent MRSA lung infection in people with CF. By delivering vancomycin directly to the lungs, higher vancomycin concentrations are achieved at the site of infection, which is expected to lead to improved clinical efficacy. In addition, direct delivery of the drug into the lungs reduces exposure to the drug elsewhere in the body, and is thereby expected to reduce the risk of systemic drug-related side effects.

About Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a life-shortening genetic disease characterized by thick, sticky mucus in the lungs and frequent lung infections, which result in loss of lung function. As the disease progresses, the lungs of people with CF are typically infected with bacteria that are difficult to eradicate. Physicians have been using nebulized antibiotics to treat these infections and have sought new options for treatment in the chronic care setting. Infection by MRSA has become increasingly common with a prevalence of almost 30 percent of the estimated 32,000 people with CF in the U.S. Persistent MRSA infection is associated with faster decline in lung function and reduced survival. Currently there is no approved inhaled therapy for MRSA infection in people with CF. 

About Savara Pharmaceuticals

Savara Pharmaceuticals is a specialty pharmaceutical company developing innovative drugs for the treatment of serious and life-threatening conditions. The company's lead product, AeroVanc (vancomycin hydrochloride inhalation powder), is the first dry powder inhaled antibiotic being developed for the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in people with cystic fibrosis. For more information, please see Savara's website at www.savarapharma.com, or www.aerovanc.com, or find us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

SOURCE Savara Pharmaceuticals