Israeli firm MediWound gets boost from US

Yavne-based biotechnology company MediWound has been awarded a contract by US health authorities for the development of an innovative treatment to treat victims of sulfur mustard attacks, the company announced Monday.

The US Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), an office within the Department of Health and Human Services, will provide MediWound with up to $43 million to support research and development activities as part of the office’s preparedness for mass-casualty chemical warfare attacks.

Sulfur mustard, commonly known as mustard gas, is a chemical agent first used in warfare in the First World War that causes severe blistering of the skin, mucus membranes and lungs.

MediWound will receive approximately $12m. of funding over eight years to support activities to develop its NexoBrid product, with options for additional funding of up to $31m. for additional development activities, animal pivotal studies, and submission for approval for the treatment of sulfur mustard injuries by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Nexobrid is a topically-administered burn treatment that in approximately four hours removes dead or damaged tissue, known as eschar, without harming surrounding healthy tissues. Unlike other topical treatments, NexoBrid has demonstrated efficacy levels comparable to surgical procedures.

The treatment has received marketing approval from health authorities including the European Medicines Agency, as well as health ministries in Israel, Argentina, South Korea and Russia.

The contract builds on existing funding agreements between Nasdaq-listed MediWound and BARDA, which has already funded or maintains options for funding the development of MediWound’s burn products to the tune of some $132 million.

Established in 2006, BARDA develops and procures medical countermeasures against a range of public health threats. To date, BARDA has stockpiled 21 treatments for use in possible emergencies, both natural and intentionally caused. BARDA played an active role in the international response to the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak in West Africa.

“We are pleased to have the endorsement of our technology by an additional department in BARDA and look forward to collaborating with BARDA on the development of NexoBrid for this new indication as part of the US efforts to prepare for mass casualty events,” said MediWound president and CEO Gal Cohen.