AN2 Therapeutics has received an extension of funding from the Gates Foundation to support its ongoing tuberculosis research collaboration with GSK.
The additional funding will support research to develop boron-based leucyl-tRNA synthetase (LeuRS) inhibitors for tuberculosis.
AN2 is developing small-molecule therapeutics using its boron chemistry platform, which the company believes can generate potent inhibitors against targets that traditional medicinal chemistry may struggle to address.
Tuberculosis remains one of the world’s leading causes of death from an infectious disease. An estimated 10.7 million people developed TB worldwide in 2024.
The AN2 and GSK collaboration is focused on developing additional therapeutic approaches to address the continued need for new treatments.
LeuRS is a clinically validated therapeutic target and is also targeted by epetraborole, ganfeborole and the FDA-approved antifungal tavaborole.
Epetraborole is being developed for Mycobacterium abscessus lung disease, while ganfeborole previously demonstrated proof-of-concept efficacy in a Phase 2 tuberculosis study.
The extended Gates Foundation funding follows progress within the collaboration and will allow AN2 and GSK to continue applying AN2’s boron chemistry platform to tuberculosis drug discovery.
KEY QUOTES:
“We are grateful for the Gates Foundation’s continued support of this important collaboration with GSK to advance boron-based LeuRS inhibitors for the treatment of tuberculosis. The award of additional funding reflects the progress made by the collaboration and the potential of boron chemistry to enable the discovery of differentiated medicines against challenging infectious disease targets. Together with GSK, we remain committed to advancing innovative approaches that may contribute to the development of new treatment options for people affected by tuberculosis around the world.”
“This collaboration builds upon decades of experience in boron chemistry and the validation of LeuRS as a therapeutic target. We believe the continued support from the Gates Foundation reinforces the importance of pursuing new approaches to help address one of the world’s most pressing infectious diseases.”
Vince Hernandez, Senior Vice President of Research & Head of Chemistry at AN2 Therapeutics
“Tuberculosis continues to have a devastating impact on global health, and new treatment options remain urgently needed. We are pleased to continue our collaboration with AN2 Therapeutics and appreciate the ongoing support of the Gates Foundation as we work to advance innovative science that has the potential to contribute to future TB treatment efforts.”
Dr. Harmony P. Garges, Chief Global Health Officer at GSK
