Deinove (EPA: ALDEI) has acquired Austrian company Biovertis AG, which owns German company Morphochem AG Für Kombinatorische Chemie which is developing the clinical-stage antibiotic compound MCB3837, the company announced on Friday.

The clinical-stage molecule, targeting the treatment of severe Clostridium difficile gastrointestinal infections (CDI) which is generally related to a disruption of the gut microbiota in weakened patients, is ready to enter Phase II trials.

The MCB3837 compound is a first-in-class antibiotic effective on Gram-positive bacteria and, more particularly, on Clostridium difficile. It is administered by intra-venous infusion and is able to cross the gastrointestinal barrier, precisely targeting the infection site, and this has increased the interest around the product, especially for the treatment of severe gastrointestinal infections.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted the compound Fast Track status back in 2016 and it has approved the initiation of a Phase II clinical trial.

All of Biovertis' shareholders, option and right holders will become shareholders of Deinove, subject to approval by Deinove's shareholders' meeting.