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Accelerate Your Antivirulence & Biofilm based Antifungal Drug Discovery & Development: CRO Service for Early-Stage Research

At Creative Biolabs, we are at the forefront of a paradigm shift in antifungal drug discovery, focusing on novel antivirulence and biofilm inhibition strategies to combat these formidable threats. We offer a full spectrum of integrated research services to accelerate your antivirulence and biofilm inhibitor antifungal drug discovery programs. Our professional expertise covers everything from target identification to preclinical development, providing customized solutions to meet your unique project requirements. Request a quote

A Novel Approach: Disarming the Pathogen

Fig.1 Antivirulence & Biofilm Inhibitor antifungal drugs testing. (Creative Biolabs Authorized)

The current antifungal landscape is narrow. Many of these have been in use for decades, leading to widespread resistance and significant challenges in treating invasive and chronic fungal infections. The emerging highly drug-resistant strains, such as Candida auris, have emphasized the urgent need for new treatment methods. Antivirulence and biofilm inhibition strategies offer a promising alternative by targeting factors crucial for fungal pathogenicity rather than directly killing the pathogen. This "disarming" approach aims to:

  • Reduce selective pressure: By not targeting essential growth mechanisms, antivirulence agents may exert lower selective pressure for resistance development, extending the lifespan of new drugs.
  • Enhance the host's immune clearance capacity: Weaken the pathogenicity of the pathogen and enable the host's immune system to clear the infection more effectively.
  • Address biofilm-associated infections: Fungal biofilms, notorious for their intrinsic resistance to antifungals and host immune responses, are a major hurdle in treatment. Inhibiting their formation or promoting their dispersal can significantly improve therapeutic outcomes.

Our Comprehensive CRO Services for Early-Stage Research

Target Services
Hit Identification Services
Preclinical In Vitro and In Vivo Services

Target Identification & Validation

  • Bioinformatic analysis to identify novel fungal virulence factors and biofilm-associated targets.
  • Gene knockout and overexpression studies to validate target essentiality and role in virulence/biofilm.

High-throughput Screening (HTS) & Hit Identifications

  • Detailed elucidation of how lead compounds inhibit virulence factors or biofilm formation.
  • Phenotypic assays (e.g., hyphal inhibition, adhesion assays, ECM quantification).
  • Transcriptomic and proteomic analysis to identify affected pathways.

Preclinical in vitro and in vivo Efficacy Studies

  • Biofilm Efficacy Testing (In Vitro)
    • Determination of minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) and minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC).
    • Biofilm biomass quantification (e.g., crystal violet staining, XTT assays).
    • Confocal microscopy and scanning electron microscopy for visualization of biofilm structure.
    • Flow cell models for dynamic biofilm studies.
  • Resistance Profiling
    • Assessment of resistance development potential of novel compounds under selective pressure.
    • Genomic analysis of resistant mutants.
  • In Vivo Efficacy Models
    Development and utilization of relevant animal models (e.g., Galleria mellonella, Caenorhabditis elegans, murine models of systemic or localized fungal infections) to assess in vivo efficacy of antivirulence and antibiofilm agents.
  • Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) Studies
    • Characterization of compound absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion in relevant models.
    • Correlation of drug exposure with efficacy in in vitro and in vivo models.

Fig.2 Research on Antivirulence & Biofilm Inhibitor Antifungal drugs. (Creative Biolabs Authorized)

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Understanding the Mechanisms of Action

Antivirulence Agents

Inhibition of morphological transitions

Many pathogenic fungi, such as Candida albicans, switch between yeast and mycelial forms, which is crucial for tissue invasion and the formation of biofilms.

Disruption of quorum sensing

Fungi utilize chemical signals (quorum sensing) to coordinate the expression of virulence factors and the development of biofilms. Inhibitors of these pathways can cripple fungal pathogenicity.

Targeting specific enzymes or toxins

Fungi produce a series of enzymes and toxins, leading to tissue damage and immune evasion. Antivirulence agents can neutralize these harmful molecules.

Biofilm Inhibitors

Preventing initial adhesion

Blocking the ability of fungal cells to attach to surfaces, such as medical devices or host tissues, is a crucial first step in preventing biofilm formation.

Disrupting extracellular matrix (ECM)

Biofilms are encased in a self-produced ECM that provides protection and contributes to resistance. Inhibitors can degrade or disrupt this matrix.

Interfering with biofilm maturation

Compounds can impede the development of a mature, robust biofilm structure, making the embedded cells more susceptible to host defenses and conventional antifungals.

Promoting biofilm dispersal

Inducing the detachment of fungal cells from mature biofilms can render them more vulnerable to treatment.

Our Research Advantages & Company Strengths

  • Deep Expertise
  • State-of-the-Art Facilities
  • Extensive Fungal Biobank
  • Customizable Solutions

Target Customer Groups

  • Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies: Seeking to expand their antifungal pipeline with innovative, resistance-sparing therapies.
  • Academic Researchers: Requiring specialized expertise and infrastructure for their fundamental and translational research in fungal pathogenesis.
  • Startup Companies: Looking for a reliable and experienced partner to de-risk and accelerate their early-stage drug discovery programs.
  • Government Agencies & Non-Profit Organizations: Focused on addressing the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance, particularly in fungal infections.

Innovative solutions are needed to combat fungal infections. By partnering with Creative Biolabs, you gain access to unparalleled expertise, cutting-edge technology, and a dedicated team committed to advancing the next generation of antifungal therapies. Let us help you accelerate your research on antifungal drugs. Contact us to learn more about our services and request to consult our scientific team.

FAQs

Why focus on antivirulence and biofilm inhibitors instead of traditional antifungals?

Traditional antifungals often lead to strong selective pressure for resistance. Antivirulence and biofilm inhibitors offer an alternative by disarming the pathogen rather than killing it, potentially reducing resistance development and complementing existing therapies.

Can you support combination therapy studies?

Absolutely. We specialize in evaluating the synergistic effects of novel compounds when combined with existing antifungals, a crucial strategy for overcoming resistance and improving patient outcomes.

What fungal pathogens can you work with?

We have expertise in a wide range of pathogenic fungi, including Candida spp. (e.g., C. albicans, C. auris), Aspergillus spp., Cryptococcus neoformans, and other emerging fungal pathogens. Our BSL facilities enable safe handling of diverse strains.

What in vivo models do you offer for antifungal efficacy testing?

We offer various in vivo models, from invertebrate models like Galleria mellonella and C. elegans for initial screening, to more complex murine models of disseminated or localized fungal infections, depending on your project needs.
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For Research Use Only. Not intended for use in food manufacturing or medical procedures (diagnostics or therapeutics). Do Not Use in Humans.

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