Biosergen is developing BSG005 to offer broader efficacy and enhanced safety compared to existing treatments, with the potential to eliminate fungal infections and reduce resistance risk. The company is currently conducting a proof-of-concept study to evaluate BSG005 as a rescue therapy for patients who have failed standard treatments, shown treatment intolerance, or have impaired kidney function. This dose-escalation study assesses the safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of BSG005 in 15 critically ill patients in intensive care units across India.
A new board member
Late last week, Biosergen announced a proposal to elect Dr. Marco Taglietti, M.D., as a new member of the Board of Directors at the upcoming Annual General Meeting.
If elected, Dr. Marco Taglietti would bring a wealth of experience in anti-infective drug development, particularly antifungals, to Biosergen’s board. From 2015 to 2022, he served as CEO of SCYNEXIS, Inc., guiding ibrexafungerp, a novel triterpenoid antifungal, from phase I trials to FDA approval and commercial launch in the U.S. Under his leadership, SCYNEXIS secured licensing deals, including a 90 MUSD upfront payment from GSK for global rights, with up to 503 MUSD in potential milestones and royalties, and a 10 MUSD upfront deal with Hansoh Pharma for China, with up to 112 MUSD in additional payments.
According to Biosergen, these achievements highlight his ability to navigate regulatory and commercial landscapes, directly relevant to the company’s advancement of BSG005.
In a comment to BioStock, CEO Tine Olesen says:
– Dr. Taglietti’s appointment strengthens our strategic direction as we advance BSG005 through clinical trials. His proven success in antifungal development and global licensing will guide our efforts to bring this critical therapy to patients with resistant fungal infections.
Aligning with BSG005’s clinical progress
Biosergen argues that Dr. Taglietti’s track record in obtaining regulatory approvals and executing global licensing agreements, positions him to support Biosergen’s clinical and strategic goals.
His recent role as CEO of NanoNewron, developing nanobody-based treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, and board positions at Aquestive Therapeutics and Aurobac Therapeutics, focused on drug-resistant bacterial infections, further enhance his relevance to Biosergen’s mission.
Anna Ljung, Biosergen’s Chairman, noted that Dr. Taglietti’s “extensive and successful track record in anti-infective drug development, securing regulatory approvals for multiple therapies, and experience with significant licensing deals aligns well with Biosergen’s current stage and strategic direction”, adding that “in particular, his recent experience as CEO and director of the US-listed biotech SCYNEXIS that successfully out-licensed rights for a novel antifungal drug to a major pharmaceutical company, GSK, is highly relevant to our ongoing development of BSG005.”
Strengthening Biosergen’s board
Subject to approval by the annual general meeting scheduled for June 11, Dr. Taglietti will join existing board members Vice Chairman Marianne Kock, Mattias Klintemar, Robert Molander, and Chairman Anna Ljung, all of whom have agreed to stand for re-election. His prior leadership roles at Forest Laboratories, Stiefel Laboratories and Schering-Plough Research Institute add depth to the board. In total, he has overseen the development and market launch of over 30 drug products, including antifungals. Dr. Taglietti holds a medical degree and board certification in infectious diseases from the University of Pavia, Italy, reinforcing his expertise in Biosergen’s therapeutic area.
– Dr. Taglietti’s global licensing expertise and deep knowledge within Biosergen’s focus area enhances our already strong board, empowering it to support the executive team in advancing BSG005 towards the market and millions of patients in need of novel treatments. I’m truly looking forward to having him literally aboard!, Tine Olesen concludes.
Also read: Biosergen takes aim at climate-driven fungal infections (May 9th)
