iCURE - Small Molecule Agonists - Boosting the Innate Immune System to Treat antibiotic-resistant Bacterial Infections

Antibiotic-resistant infected wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers and surgical site infections, represent a growing and costly healthcare challenge. Current treatments rely on debridement, advanced wound dressings, and prolonged antibiotic use, which is increasingly ineffective due to antimicrobial resistance. The proposed innovation introduces a novel immune-activating therapy that enhances the body’s innate immune response rather than targeting bacteria directly. By activating host defence mechanisms, the therapy promotes bacterial clearance while reducing inflammation and tissue damage. The approach is suitable for topical administration, enabling early clinical entry with lower development risk and cost. Beyond infected wounds, the technology has potential for broader applications in other severe bacterial infections, offering a scalable and resistance-agnostic solution to a critical unmet medical need.

Knut and Alice Wallenberg foundation - KAW