C-CAMP’s selection as a ‘CARB-X Accelerator’ to boost AMR R&D projects

Bengaluru: The recent selection of Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) as a CARB-X Accelerator will ensure its scientific, business and technical support to CARB-X funded projects working to combat antimicrobial resistance.

CARB-X is the world’s largest public-private partnership devoted to early development antibacterial research and development. The C-CAMP has expressed its excitement to join the global network and support the initiatives in combating drug-resistant bacteria.

The spread of drug-resistant bacteria, also known as superbugs, is a growing threat to public health and a concerted global effort is needed to develop new therapeutics, rapid diagnostics and preventatives to combat drug-resistant bacteria. As part of this partnership, C-CAMP will provide business, technical and ancillary support to CARB-X funded projects as well potential grantees.

Dr Renu Swarup, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, mentioned, “The DBT is proud to support this important endeavor to address the challenge of antimicrobial resistance, which is not only a global threat, but a growing concern nationally. C-CAMP through the CARB-X Accelerator program will play a crucial role in supporting the CARB-X funded programs. We look forward to the positive outcomes that this partnership is sure to generate.”

“Antimicrobial resistance is a public health challenge that needs a thriving pipeline of new drugs, vaccines and diagnostics to effectively address this growing threat. The CARB-X program is an important mechanism to ensure that this pipeline is suitably populated and we are proud to have C-CAMP join this network and provide support to CARB-X funded entrepreneurs,” Dr Swarup added.

Speaking about the partnership, Dr Taslimarif Saiyed, CEO and Director, C-CAMP, said “Antimicrobial Resistance is a major global health challenge and more so in India. We are excited about joining the CARB-X Global Accelerator Network, which supports innovative research targeting AMR in India and elsewhere in the world. We look forward to being part of this global network, working with CARB-X-funded companies to support their innovative product development and collaborating with other accelerators in the network.

Kevin Outterson, Executive Director of CARB-X, said: “CARB-X currently funds 33 companies around the world and we have a rapidly growing early development portfolio of antibiotics, diagnostics, vaccines and other life-saving products to address drug resistance. We are expanding our Global Accelerator Network to ensure that the companies we fund get the technical, scientific and business support they need to deliver these products to patients more quickly. We are pleased to welcome C-CAMP to the Network and look forward to the life-sciences expertise that C-CAMP will deliver to support CARB-X funded projects. We are also eager to see all members our Global Accelerator Network share best practices with each other, raising the bar on accelerator services.”