PolyMedix awarded DTRA research deal

RADNOR, Pa., June 3 (UPI) -- The U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency has contracted PolyMedix Inc. to develop antibiotic compounds to counter evolving biowarfare pathogen threats.

PolyMedix, a U.S. developer of solutions to combat infectious diseases and cardiovascular disorders, was awarded a $1.6 million research contract from the DTRA.

As part of the deal, PolyMedix will research and develop a new defensin-mimetic antibiotic compound as part of a larger effort by the Defense Department to combat biowarfare pathogens and other public health threats.

"We appreciate the DTRA's interest in our novel antibiotic approach, and look forward to continuing this work and identifying new generations of antimicrobial compounds," Nicholas Landekic, PolyMedix president and chief executive officer, said in a statement.

"Safeguarding public safety against these dangerous infectious threats is a critically important goal."