Validation and Development of Clinically Relevant Copper Complexes for the Treatment of Bacterial Infections – Year two

Metaplex is a new approach to prepare metal-based drugs (metal complexes) for use in humans. It has been patented by BC Cancer and is in the process of being licensed to Cuprous Pharmaceuticals (CPI), the company which I helped to create and I currently work for. Metal complexes (MCs) are a new class of drugs that show a great deal of therapeutic promise in the dish, but really have not been developed in a manner that is suitable for use in animals or humans. CPI’s new methods overcomes this problem by preparing MCs inside small spherical structures that are 100 times smaller than a red blood cell and prepared with biocompatible lipids suitable for humans. My research is focused on preparing Metaplex formulations of MCs that are effective against drug-resistant bacteria or “superbugs.” Superbugs are making the news because they represent such a major health concern.

Faculty Supervisor:

Chris Orvig

Student:

Partner:

Cuprous Pharmaceuticals Inc

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Manufacturing; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: