CARB-X IS FUNDING SEATTLE-BASED LUMEN BIOSCIENCE TO DEVELOP A NEW ORAL MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY COCKTAIL TO PREVENT SERIOUS DIARRHEAL DISEASES

(BOSTON) – CARB-X is awarding up to US$5.35 million to Lumen Bioscience, in Seattle, WA, USA, to develop a new immunotherapy to prevent diarrheal diseases caused by two deadly pathogens, Campylobacter jejuni and enterotoxigenic E. coli. The project could be eligible for up to $8.26 million more in non-dilutive funding from CARB-X if project milestones are met, subject to available funds. Diarrheal diseases are often referred to as traveller’s diarrhea – intestinal infections caused by contaminated food or water. While unpleasant, most healthy adults survive. However, in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), diarrhea is a leading cause of death and disease among infants and children. Diarrhea kills 2,195 children every day—more than AIDS, malaria, and measles combined, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Diarrheal diseases account for 1 in 9 child deaths worldwide, making diarrhea the second leading cause of death among children under the age of 5. It causes death by depleting body fluids, resulting in profound dehydration.