MONTREAL and BOZEMAN — 5N Plus Inc., a global producer of specialty chemicals and engineered materials, and Microbion Corporation, a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on the development of compounds for the treatment of resistant and difficult-to-treat infections, announced on Jan. 12 that the parties have entered into a strategic relationship for the development, manufacturing and commercial drug substance supply of Microbion’s new class of antibiotic and antibiofilm drugs. Under the terms of the agreement, 5N Plus has taken an equity stake in Microbion and will assume responsibility for the manufacturing of Bismuth-based Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) required in Microbion’s family of drug products currently under development, including the company’s lead API, pravibismane. Microbion retains responsibility for the development, manufacturing and commercialization of the final drug products currently under development.
Mr. Paul Tancell, Executive Vice President of Eco-Friendly Materials at 5N Plus, commented: “We are delighted to be able to support Microbion in their journey to develop a much-needed class of new antibacterial drugs. Whilst there remains more development ahead of us, the initial results are simply impressive, with pravibismane indicating both a high level of antibacterial activity and that of patient safety.” Mr. Tancell added: “The potential market for pravibismane is significant and we are well positioned to benefit from the growth of this market.”
Mr. Karim Lalji, Chairman of Microbion Corp. and CEO of Microbion Pharma Corp., commented: “We are pleased with the development and supply partnership entered into with 5N Plus as we recognize their team as leaders in Bismuth-based material manufacturing. We will be working closely with 5N Plus to develop methods to efficiently and cost-effectively manufacture pravibismane. Furthermore, their purchase of an equity stake of the company further validates the potential promise of pravibismane and Bismuth-based compounds to treat a variety of serious, chronic infections for the betterment of patients.”