Microbiome & Infections: A Powerful Defense
Novel Bacterial Therapy ‘Dekox’ Poised to Challenge Antibiotic Resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae Infections
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A groundbreaking new therapy, dubbed ‘dekox,’ is under growth by researchers at the Helmholtz Center for Infection Research (HZI) with the potential to combat persistent Klebsiella pneumoniae infections – a growing threat due to increasing antibiotic resistance. Unlike traditional antibiotics, Dekox utilizes a naturally occurring, freezer-dried bacterium to fight infection, offering a promising option in the face of dwindling treatment options.
A New Approach to Tackling Antibiotic Resistance
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a common bacterium that can cause pneumonia,bloodstream infections,and urinary tract infections. Though, the rise of antibiotic-resistant strains is making these infections increasingly difficult, and sometimes impossible, to treat. Dekox represents a paradigm shift in infection control, moving away from killing bacteria with antibiotics to leveraging the power of the microbiome for therapeutic benefit.
“We are developing a live bacterial product, and as such, it is a medicine and must be checked and approved as such,” explains Dr. Matthias Strowig, who leads studies in health system-associated and outpatient infections at the DZIF, and coordinates the DZIF-Brückenthemas ”microbioma”. This highlights the rigorous regulatory pathway the therapy will undergo, ensuring both safety and efficacy.
How Dekox Works: Harnessing the Power of Beneficial Bacteria
The core of Dekox lies in a carefully selected bacterium designed to outcompete and displace harmful K. pneumoniae strains. Researchers are currently working to identify the optimal product candidate from a range of possibilities, supported by funding from the DZIF Flexfund. This involves developing robust production and quality control processes to guarantee a consistent and reliable product.
“At the end, our goal is to hold a capsule in the hands in which the freezer-dried bacterium is contained instead of an antibiotic active ingredient,” says Osbelt Block. “We would then go into the first phase of a clinical study.” The intended request focuses on patients with chronic K. pneumoniae colonization, notably those with weakened immune systems, who are most vulnerable to persistent infections. This targeted approach aims to restore a healthy microbial balance and prevent the progression of disease.
Collaborative Expertise Driving Innovation
The HZI team is collaborating closely with Prof. Maria Vehreschild’s “clinical Microbiom Research” group at the Cologne University Hospital,leveraging their expertise in microbiome-based therapies. Prof.Katharina Schaufler, head of the “Epidemiology and Ecology Antimicrobial Resistance” Department at the HZI’s Helmholtz Institute for One health (HIOH), is conducting vital safety tests to ensure the product candidates are free from harmful viruses and demonstrate compatibility with the host microbiome.
Josef Penninger, scientific managing director of the HZI, emphasizes the translational impact of the project: “Dekox symbolizes the translational approach that we would like to pursue at the HZI. In the shortest possible time,the project has developed from a question of basic research to prepare a clinical study!”
From Research to Reality: Spin-off and Future Outlook
The development of Dekox has been fueled by the GO-BIO initiative of the federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMFTR),alongside support from the Translation fund of the HZI and Helmholtz Innovation programs. the team is now actively pursuing a spin-off company,”Arvalus Therapeutics,” as part of the helmholtz Enterprise output program,to accelerate the development and commercialization of Dekox.
Financial backing from the DZIF commenced on August 1, 2025, and the project is slated for a 40-month duration. This sustained investment underscores the significant potential of Dekox to address a critical unmet medical need.
More about Arvalus Therapeutics
Source: Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI)