Forge Therapeutics Inc, a company developing novel antibiotics targeting bacterial metalloenzymes, has signed a research collaboration and option agreement with Switzerland-based Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, to license FG-LpxC LUNG, a novel antibiotic intended for the treatment of serious lung infections attributed to antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, it was reported on Wednesday.

The FG-LpxC LUNG program is intended to treat hospital-based infections, including those cited on the CDC's most urgent threats list that commonly occur in people with weakened immune systems and chronic lung diseases.

According to the terms of the contract, Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd has an exclusive option to license the FG-LpxC LUNG program from Forge. Forge will retain control of the program prior to Roche exercising its option, at which time Roche will take over the further development. Forge is eligible to receive up to USD190.5m in total payments, including potential sales-based payments and royalties upon commercialisation of the program.