In the face of a growing crisis in animal health and human medicine, Niclosavir Limited is on a mission to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) with innovative solutions that repurpose an old Bayer drug. This bold venture aims to revolutionise the treatment of bovine mastitis—one of the leading causes of antibiotic use in New Zealand's dairy industry.
Driven by a seasoned team with over 200 years of combined experience, this Sprout Accelerator Spring24 venture is determined to leave a solution that will benefit future generations. The team consists of two veterinary scientists and a pharmaceutical chemist, along with a thoroughbred racehorse breeder and a former Royal Air Force officer. As a whole, they are a motivated crew rich with expertise in research, animal health, and innovative medicine development.
Co-founders Paul Edwards and Dr Alan Alexander lead the company. With 40 years in the field, Alan was initially drawn to the project through a proposal to adapt a drug for COVID-19 treatment. However, upon discovering its potential in fighting mastitis, the team pivoted their focus, recognising the urgent need to address the rampant overuse of antibiotics in livestock.
Antimicrobial resistance poses a dire threat, with projections suggesting that by 2050, AMR could cost the global economy $34 trillion and lead to 15 million deaths annually. The team is determined to change this trajectory by developing a new veterinary medicine that not only alleviates the suffering of dairy cows but also minimises the environmental impact of antibiotic use.
The key to their approach is a drug that has been underutilised due to its insolubility. Niclosavir Limited is working to create a formulation that is both soluble and stable, allowing it to be effectively administered to animals. This repurposing strategy aims to reduce the incidence of mastitis and ultimately lower the overall antibiotic usage in dairy farming.
The journey thus far has been marked by collaboration and shared enthusiasm. The team's dedication to their mission is palpable as they engage with mentors and industry experts to refine their strategies and expand their knowledge base.
As Paul Edwards puts it, "When you don’t know what you don’t know, that’s the toughest position to be in. However, with the support of organisations like Sprout and the Sprout Accelerator programme, they are poised to fill those knowledge gaps.”
With ambitions to establish Niclosavir as a leader in veterinary and medical applications, the team is actively seeking financial partnerships to facilitate the development and marketing of their groundbreaking medicine. Their ultimate goal? To save the world and the dairy industry simultaneously.
As they forge ahead, the commitment to making a positive impact on AMR remains at the forefront of their mission. With each step, Niclosavir is not just addressing a pressing issue in animal health; they are also laying the groundwork for a healthier future for generations to come.