MGB Biopharma spun out of Strathclyde with £2M to develop antibiotics

Spin out

MGB BioPharma has been spun out of Strathclyde University in Glasgow to commercialise antibacterial technology. The company, which is being run by pharma and biotech executives, has received start-up funding of almost £2 million from an angel syndicate led by Archangel Informal Investments Ltd in association with TRI Cap Ltd, Barwell plc and the Scottish Co-investment Fund.

The technology has demonstrated very significant in vitro and in vivo activity against Gram positive bacteria, including MRSA, and also against some Gram negative bacteria. It involves a new class of DNA minor groove binders (MGBs).

Miroslav Ravic, Chief Executive Officer of MGB Biopharma, said, “The introduction of a new class of antibacterial is an all too rare event in medical science. We are particularly proud to be working with the DNA Minor Groove Binder Technology from the University of Strathclyde. I believe the last Scottish association with the discovery of a new antibacterial class was none other than that of Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin 82 years ago.”