MICREOS

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) emergence of antibiotic-resistant 'superbugs' is now a global concern, which can spell the end of modern medicine and a return to the days when routine operations, simple wounds or straightforward infections were potentially life-threatening. On the other hand scientists have come to realize that the vast majority of bacteria is beneficial and should be left intact. Antibiotics do not distinguish between bad and good bacteria and their use can lead to side effects and resistance. Micreos develops the world's first targeted antibacterial products, set to replace antibiotics. With Micreos' endolysin technology, for the first time it is possible to kill only the unwanted bacteria - including antibiotic resistant strains such as MRSA - while leaving our microbiome - comprising billions of beneficial bacteria on our skin and in our gut - intact. In addition, research shows that the use of endolysins does not induce resistance. This unlocks a completely new approach in dealing with the bacteria around us: killing the bad bacteria and preserving the microbiome. Micreos' Staphefekt SA.100 is an enzyme (endolysin), that targets only Staphylococcus aureus. Marketed under the Gladskin brand, it is the world's first endolysin registered for human use and has had a life-changing impact for thousands of people suffering from inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, inflammatory acne and rosacea and resistant wound infections (see www.gladskin.com). A series of pharmaceutical products based on the endolysin XZ.700 - also targeting S. aureus - is in clinical development. First indications include: atopic dermatitis, diabetic wound infections and folliculitis. Micreos has also developed FDA-approved food safety products: 'Phageguard S' against Salmonella and 'Phageguard L' against Listeria monocytogenes, which is especially dangerous for pregnant women and for the elderly and immuno-compromised (www.phageguard.com).