DAV361 is a novel product aimed at delivering to the colon a patented optimized beta-lactamase enzyme that is capable of inactivating beta-lactam antibiotics with high efficiency. By preventing beta-lactams (one of the most widely used classes of antibiotics) from disrupting the gut microbiome, DAV361 aims to prevent the selection and amplification of resistant bacteria, their dissemination and the occurrence of infections caused by these bacteria. This approach is of major interest for the latest generation beta-lactams, such as carbapenems, which are used as a last resort, as there is an urgent need to slow down the emergence of resistance to this class of antibiotics.
In particular, DAV361 is being developed to prevent colonization of intensive care units’ (ICU) patients with beta-lactam-resistant bacteria and prevent subsequent infections. The target population of DAV361 therefore includes all patients hospitalized in ICU and receiving beta-lactams. In the longer term, DAV361 could be used in all hospitalized patients treated with carbapenems, antibiotics of last resort, but also in the pediatric population, which is a major consumer of beta-lactams, especially at young ages, to prevent the long-term harmful consequences of antibiotic use (i.e. asthma, obesity and diabetes).