Atox Bio announced the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) has exercised the next option on a performance-based contract with for the development of Reltecimod in patients with Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections (NSTI). Reltecimod is the Company's lead product in development and is currently in late stage clinical trials for Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections (NSTI,) and Sepsis-associated Acute Kidney Injury (AKI). Results of the ACCUTE NSTI Phase 3 study are expected by the end of 2019.

The exercise of this option brings the current commitment from BARDA to $22 million. The contract covers the pivotal Phase 3 study of Reltecimod, including manufacturing and regulatory activities.

"We appreciate and continue to benefit from BARDA's ongoing support in the development of Reltecimod as a novel, host-based, immunomodulatory therapy to treat critically ill patients," said Dan Teleman, Chief Executive Officer of Atox Bio. "Our Phase 3 trial for NSTI is on track to report data this year and assuming successful results, we look forward to continuing to work together with BARDA to bring this potentially important new therapy to patients."

Reltecimod is a rationally designed peptide that binds to the CD28 co-stimulatory receptor that modulates the host's immune response to enhances the resolution of organ failure and other morbidities in condition associated with a severe acute inflammatory response. Reltecimod received Orphan Drug status from the FDA and EMA as well as Fast Track designation for the NSTI indication.

NSTI is a rapidly progressing condition that often result in significant tissue destruction and systemic disease leading to multiple organ failure and death. NSTI are rare, with an estimated 30,000 patients annually in the US. Currently, there are no approved treatments for NSTI. The standard of care includes prompt and repeated surgical debridement, aggressive resuscitation and physiologic support.

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