Glox Therapeutics
Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance with Precision-Engineered Protein Bacteriocins
Glox Therapeutics is an innovation partnership project between the University of Glasgow and the University of Oxford, focused on developing precision-engineered protein bacteriocins to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Led by Prof Daniel Walker, this initiative aims to create new treatments that can effectively target and neutralize antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
The Vision
The recent gradual decline in antibiotic discovery and development, and the evolution of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in many human pathogens poses a major threat to global human health. It is estimated that antibiotic insufficiencies account for around 1.27 million deaths per year. This prediction is expected to increase to 10 million AMR-associated deaths globally per year by 2050, at a cost of $100 trillion.
The vision behind Glox Therapeutics is to address the growing global threat of AMR by developing novel therapeutics that can selectively target pathogenic bacteria without harming beneficial microbes. This approach aims to provide a sustainable solution to the problem of antibiotic resistance.
Development and Features
Glox Therapeutics leverages advanced protein engineering techniques to design bacteriocins—proteins produced by bacteria that can kill or inhibit the growth of other bacteria. These engineered bacteriocins are tailored to target specific pathogens, offering a precise and effective treatment option.
Precision Targeting
Development of bacteriocins that specifically target antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Collaborative Research
Involvement of multidisciplinary teams from the University of Glasgow and industry partners to advance the research and development process.
Support from the College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences (MVLS)
The College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences (MVLS) at the University of Glasgow has strongly supported Glox Therapeutics, providing funding via MRC Confidence in Concept (CiC) awards to support the project at various stages.
Impact and potential
Through their focus on impact generation, an ability to adapt to new market needs, and innovative work on the development of their platform, the team have managed to secure 2 patents on the therapeutic components and delivery aspects of their technology.
Future prospects
Since its incorporation in 2023, Glox Therapeutics has secured significant investment from Scottish Enterprise and the Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund. In November 2023, the spinout, with support from Glasgow’s IP & Commercialisation Team and Oxford University Innovations, secured £4.3M seed funding for further development of their platform to target drug-resistant bacteria.
Explore More in Our College Futures Research
Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics aims to pioneer development of next generation of novel human and animal clinical interventions.
Fundamentals of Life aims to drive world-leading fundamental research as an internationally recognised discovery bioscience centre.