Spider Biotech

The company

  • Spin-off of the University of Siena; established in 2005, it operates in the field of anti-infectives.
  • Spider Biotech has two programs: Firstly, a class of lipopeptides (lead candidate, SB056) effective against antibiotic resistant Gram-negative bacteria, acting via a mechanism which is less likely to develop bacterial resistance. Potential applications include systemic treatment of antibiotic resistant Gram-negative bacteria and topical treatment of chronic wound infections or infections due to the use of catheters; Secondly, a class of antiviral dendrimeric peptides (lead candidate, SB105) that prevent entry of HSV, HPV, CMV, HIV and RSV into the cell. Potential applications include skin and vaginal lesions resulting from HSV-1 and -2 infection, vaginal application for prevention of HSV, HPV, CMV, HIV sexual transmitted infections, and acute RSV infections (inhalation).
  • Two patents filed in 2008 and 2009.
  • Selected publications for antibacterial program:
    - “Synthesis, characterization, antimicrobial activity and LPS-interaction properties of SB041, a novel dendrimeric peptide with antimicrobial properties”, Bruschi et al. (2010) Peptides, 31: 1459-1467
    [link:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20438783]
    - “Atomic force microscopy evaluation of the effects of a novel antimicrobial multimeric peptide on Pseudomonas aeruginosa”, Rossetto et al. (2007) Nanomedicine, 3: 198-207
    [link:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1770263]
  • Selected publications for antiviral program:
    - “ Identification of a dendrimeric heparan sulfate-binding peptide that inhibits infectivity of genital types of human papillomaviruses”, Donalisio et al. (2010) Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 54: 4290-4299
    [link:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20643894]
    - “ Peptide-derivatized dendrimers inhibit human cytomegalovirus infection by blocking virus binding to cell surface heparin sulfate”, Luganini et al. (2010) Antiviral Research, 85: 532-540
    [link:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20083141]

Current Status

  • SB056 Antibacterial program:
    - In vitro activity against a large set of clinical isolates.
    - Active against pre-formed biofilms of P. Aeruginosa.
    - Ongoing in vivo proof-of-concept studies in septic shock and against biofilm.
  • SB0105 Antiviral program: dl style="margin:5px 10px">
    - Prevents cell attachment of HSV-1, HSV-2, CMV, HPV-16, HIV and RSV.
    - Ongoing in vivo proof-of-concept studies in models of infection from HSV.
  • Interested in partnerships for further development of both the antibacterial and antiviral program.