Seres Therapeutics, Inc. announced that CARB-X (Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator) has awarded the company up to $3.6 million in additional non-dilutive funding. The grant will support the development and manufacturing of an oral liquid formulation of its investigational therapy SER-155, aimed at preventing bloodstream infections (BSIs) in medically vulnerable patients, including those with antimicrobial-resistant infections who cannot take capsule-based treatments, such as intubated ICU patients.
SER-155, which has received Breakthrough Therapy Designation, is being developed for patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants (allo-HSCT) — a group highly susceptible to severe infections due to prolonged immunosuppression. In a Phase 1b placebo-controlled trial, SER-155 demonstrated a 77% reduction in bacterial bloodstream infections, along with a notable decrease in systemic antibiotic use and febrile neutropenia.
Seres recently received constructive feedback from the U.S. FDA regarding the design of its upcoming Phase 2 study, with plans to finalize the clinical protocol soon.
“We are grateful for CARB-X’s continued support and partnership,” said Dr. Matthew Henn, Chief Scientific Officer at Seres Therapeutics. “Our data so far show SER-155’s potential to reduce bloodstream infections and antibiotic reliance in allo-HSCT patients. Developing a liquid formulation will further extend access to patients in critical care who cannot take capsules.”
Kevin Outterson, Executive Director of CARB-X, added, “We’re pleased to continue supporting Seres in advancing SER-155. A liquid formulation could expand access to high-risk patients in intensive care settings, representing a meaningful step in combating serious bacterial infections.”
Funding for the project is provided by CARB-X through contributions from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (BARDA and ASPR), Wellcome, the UK Department of Health and Social Care’s GAMRIF program, and the Novo Nordisk Foundation, with in-kind support from the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).
The additional CARB-X grant reinforces Seres Therapeutics’ commitment to advancing microbiome-based solutions that address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance and improve outcomes for patients at highest risk of infection.