Ceragenix Pharmaceuticals

Ceragenix Pharmaceuticals Logo

Ceragenix Pharmaceuticals was a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel anti-infective drugs based on its proprietary ceragenin technology. The company was headquartered in Denver, Colorado.

History

Ceragenix Pharmaceuticals was founded in 2005. The company aimed to address the growing problem of antibiotic resistance by developing new classes of anti-infective agents. Ceragenix's technology was based on ceragenins, which are synthetic antimicrobial peptides designed to mimic the body's natural defense mechanisms.

Technology

Ceragenix's core technology revolved around ceragenins, also known as cationic steroid antibiotics (CSAs). These compounds are designed to target and disrupt the membranes of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Unlike traditional antibiotics, ceragenins are less likely to induce resistance due to their unique mechanism of action.

Ceragenins

Ceragenins are small, amphipathic molecules that mimic the structure and function of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). They are composed of a steroidal backbone with cationic groups that interact with the negatively charged components of microbial membranes, leading to membrane disruption and cell death.

Products

Ceragenix Pharmaceuticals developed several products based on its ceragenin technology, including:

• CSA-13: A ceragenin compound with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity.
• EpiCeram: A topical cream for the treatment of atopic dermatitis and other skin conditions. EpiCeram was designed to restore the skin's natural barrier function.

Research and Development

The company conducted extensive research and development to explore the potential applications of ceragenins in various medical fields. This included studies on their efficacy against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Clostridium difficile, and other drug-resistant pathogens.

Acquisition and Legacy

In 2010, Ceragenix Pharmaceuticals was acquired by Cellerate, LLC, a company specializing in wound care products. The acquisition allowed for the continued development and commercialization of ceragenin-based products.

See also

• Antimicrobial resistance
• Biopharmaceutical
• Antimicrobial peptides
• Atopic dermatitis
• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus