MetalloBio
Developing two novel antimicrobial leads to combat multi-drug resistant Gram-negative bacteria.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
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| - | investor investor | €0.0 | round |
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| N/A | €0.0 | round | |
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* | £705k | Seed | |
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
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MetalloBio is a biotechnology company developing a new class of antimicrobial compounds to address the challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The company was founded in March 2021 as a spin-out from the University of Sheffield by Dr. Kirsty Smitten and her PhD supervisor, Professor Jim Thomas. The founding research was based on Dr. Smitten's PhD work, where she adapted ruthenium-based compounds, originally developed as cell imaging agents, into derivatives capable of combating bacterial infections.
Dr. Smitten, who served as the CEO, was a highly awarded scientist recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30 and the UK Federation of Small Businesses' Entrepreneur of the Year 2023. Tragically, she was diagnosed with a rare cancer and passed away in October 2023 at the age of 29, leaving a powerful legacy in the fight against AMR. The current leadership includes Dr. Eddy Littler as Chairman of the Board, Dr. Michael Murray as CEO, and co-founder Professor Jim Thomas as Chief Scientific Advisor.
MetalloBio's technology is based on inorganic chemistry, creating compounds with novel killing mechanisms that differ from existing antibiotics. This approach aims to circumvent the resistance bacteria have developed to current drug families. The company is progressing two main product lines: Series 1 compounds, which are candidate antibiotics for treating complex infections like hospital-acquired pneumonia, and Series 2 compounds, designed for antimicrobial coatings on medical devices such as catheters and implants to prevent biofilm formation. Their business model focuses on advancing their drug candidates through preclinical and early clinical trials (Phase 2) before seeking licensing agreements or partnerships with major pharmaceutical companies. The company also pursues early revenue through collaboration and option agreements for its non-core applications, like material additives.
Since its inception, MetalloBio has secured approximately $2 million in non-dilutive grant funding and has also raised equity investment to advance its development programs.
Keywords: antimicrobial resistance, drug discovery, inorganic chemistry, medical device coatings, gram-negative bacteria, antibiotic development, biotechnology, biofilms, therapeutics, pharmaceutical partnerships