SQ109

SQ109 is a small molecule drug that was initially developed for the treatment of tuberculosis. It is a 1,2-ethylene diamine derivative, and its development was primarily funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) and the Tuberculosis Antimicrobial Acquisition & Coordinating Facility (TAACF).

History

SQ109 was discovered by scientists at Sequella, Inc., a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company that specializes in the development of new drugs for the treatment of infectious diseases. The drug was designed to be a replacement for ethambutol in the first-line treatment of tuberculosis.

Mechanism of Action

The exact mechanism of action of SQ109 is not fully understood. However, it is believed to disrupt the cell wall biosynthesis in the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium, leading to its death. It is also thought to inhibit the transport of mycolic acids, an essential component of the cell wall of the bacterium.

Clinical Trials

SQ109 has undergone several phases of clinical trials. In Phase I trials, it was found to be safe and well-tolerated in healthy volunteers. In Phase II trials, it demonstrated significant activity against drug-sensitive and drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Phase III trials are currently underway.

Potential Uses

In addition to its potential use in the treatment of tuberculosis, SQ109 has also shown promise in the treatment of other infectious diseases, including malaria, hepatitis C, and American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease).

See Also

• Tuberculosis treatment
• Drug discovery
• Clinical trials