BioVersys AG, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on novel antibacterial products, announced that it will present new data on alpibectir in combination with ethionamide (AlpE) together with its development partner GSK at The Union World Conference on Lung Health. The conference, taking place from 17 to 20 November 2026 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, brings together researchers, practitioners, advocates, policymakers and communities from around the world to share knowledge and accelerate progress in lung health.
The presentations will feature the latest Phase 2 data on AlpE in patients with newly diagnosed drug-sensitive pulmonary tuberculosis. The schedule includes an e-poster on early bactericidal activity, safety, and pharmacokinetics by Dr. Simphiwe RN Simelane on 18 November; a presentation by Dr. Michel Pieren on alpibectir's potentiation of ethionamide activity on 19 November; and a session on Phase 2 results from the UNITE4TB platform, including the ENABLE trial, also on 19 November. On 20 November, Dr. Simon Tiberi will discuss updates on further development of alpibectir-containing TB regimens. A satellite session chaired by David Barros-Aguirre will also take place.
Alpibectir, previously known as BVL-GSK098, is a small molecule developed from BioVersys' TRIC platform in collaboration with GSK, the Institut Pasteur Lille, and the University of Lille. It acts through a novel mode of action, potentiating the activity of ethionamide, a second-line anti-TB drug. By lowering the efficacious human dose of ethionamide, alpibectir has the potential to minimize dose-dependent side effects and overcome ethionamide resistance. The AlpE combination is being developed for pulmonary TB and TB meningitis and has received orphan-drug designation from the U.S. FDA in 2023 and Orphan Designation from the European Medicines Agency in 2025, providing incentives including market exclusivity.
This news is significant for the global fight against tuberculosis, particularly drug-resistant forms. TB remains a major global health threat, and new treatment options are urgently needed. Alpibectir's novel mechanism could offer a shorter, safer, and more effective regimen, addressing the high unmet medical need. The Phase 2 data to be presented may provide crucial insights into the drug's efficacy and safety, potentially accelerating its development. For BioVersys, positive data could bolster its pipeline and attract further investment or partnerships. The company's shares (SIX: BIOV) may be impacted by the conference outcomes. The collaboration with GSK and academic partners underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in advancing antibacterial research. More information about BioVersys can be found at www.bioversys.com, and the original release is available on www.newmediawire.com.
