MaxImmun

The MaxImmun project aims at preventing and treating infections, and situations of conflict between the host and its microbiota, by developing a disruptive technology based on molecules that boost antimicrobial peptides (AMP) of the innate immune system. To face the antimicrobial resistance crisis, this high-potential technology may be relevant both in situations of endemic infections in the developing world, and infectious or inflammatory pathologies in industrialized countries.
The objective is to establish the proof-of-concept that among a series of hit compounds identified by the screening of molecules coming from the marine microbiome for their capacity to promote AMPs, a small subgroup may qualify to lead molecules that can then be pushed into the late phases of the R&D pipeline, with the perspective of a phase I clinical trial. To achieve this transition, the project will range from the comprehension of microbial mechanisms leading to antimicrobial resistance, to the comprehension of AMP regulations, the identification of AMP-inducer molecules and their optimization by medicinal chemistry, and the characterization and evaluation of their protective properties in pre-clinical models. MaxImmun aims at developing innovative molecules as future antimicrobial drug candidates.

The project was awarded €3.2 million under the Horizon Europe program, through the European Innovation Council (EIC) Pathfinder Open funding instrument, supporting innovations with potential breakthrough and disruptive nature.