Smartbax Secures €1.6M to Fight Drug-Resistant Superbugs with Novel Antibiotics

Biotech company smartbax has secured an additional €1.6 million in funding to support its antibiotic research. The firm focuses on tackling Gram-negative bacteria by blocking the synthesis of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). This extension follows an initial pre-Series A round of €4.7 million closed in October 2025. The new funds will help move the company’s lead programme through preclinical development and towards an IND filing. This programme targets a pathway unused by existing antibiotics and has already shown nanomolar target inhibition. Early data also suggests the compound may be taken orally.

In vivo tests have confirmed its effectiveness against multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, including WHO priority pathogens like E. coli and K. pneumoniae. Alongside its lead LPS inhibitor, smartbax is developing a platform of small-molecule hydrolase activators, which aim to trigger bacterial self-digestion.

Dr Robert Macsics, CEO of smartbax, stated that the extra funding would provide the resources needed to advance the lead programme to the next stage. The initial round was designed to support both the LPS inhibitor and the hydrolase activator platform. The additional €1.6 million will allow smartbax to push its lead antibiotic programme closer to clinical trials. The company’s work targets critical gaps in treating resistant infections. The funding also reinforces its broader pipeline of antibacterial strategies.