Infex Therapeutics, a UK-based company acquiring and developing anti-infective drugs for drug-resistant infections and pandemic threats, has raised £4.3 million ($5.8M) in funding led by Jon Moulton. The capital supports advancement of its pipeline, including RESP-X toward later-stage clinical development, expansion of MET-X via partnerships, and preclinical work on BamA inhibitors.
AMR Funding Wave Gains Steam
The raise aligns with renewed investor interest in antimicrobial resistance solutions. Centauri Therapeutics raised £6M from the AMR Action Fund in February 2026 to advance small-molecule anti-infectives for gram-negative infections. Infex differentiates through first-in-class antibodies like RESP-X targeting Pseudomonas aeruginosa in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis patients. This momentum counters a 35% shrinkage in the AMR pipeline over five years.
Drug-Resistant Infections Surge
Antimicrobial resistance threatens 300 million premature deaths over the next 35 years and 2-3.5% global GDP loss by 2050, per company materials. Few new antibiotics have emerged in 30 years, with pipelines dwindling amid economic pressures on developers. Gram-negative pathogens like ESKAPE organisms drive hospital-acquired infections, where current treatments fail. UK data shows bacteraemia episodes resistant to antibiotics reaching 20,484 in 2024.
Anti-Virulence Antibodies Lead Pipeline
Infex's RESP-X, a first-in-class monoclonal antibody, disrupts bacterial virulence in Pseudomonas infections rather than killing bacteria outright. Phase IIa dosing completed recently, with first patient dosed in September 2024 and data slated for ATS 2026. MET-X, a metallo-beta-lactamase inhibitor, targets urinary tract infections and holds an exclusive license in India with Venus Remedies. The BamA inhibitor addresses multi-drug-resistant Gram-negatives in preclinical stages, grant-funded via PACE.
Partnerships Accelerate Development
Infex in-licenses assets from universities and biotechs, co-develops with royalty shares, and out-licenses regionally. Collaborations include Justus-Liebig-University Giessen on BamA, ADVANCE-ID for Asian trials, and iiCON consortium advancing three programs to Phase 2a/1. As a UK leader, Infex accesses Alderley Park's Phase 1 unit specialized in infections. This model de-risks progression from lead optimization to proof-of-concept.
Mission Investors Back UK Specialist
Jon Moulton, via his investment vehicle, led the round alongside GM&C Life Sciences Fund and existing high-net-worth individuals. These backers signal conviction in Infex's execution amid a sparse funding landscape for antibiotics. Jon Moulton noted:
"We have supported Infex from the beginning and are delighted to lead this financing."
CEO Peter Jackson added:
"The financing will enable Infex to advance RESP-X toward later-stage clinical development."
The investment validates Infex's largest UK infectious disease team, with 80% PhDs and 150+ years experience.
Anti-Infectives Market Scales Steadily
The global anti-infectives market stands at $149.79B in 2026, projected to reach $204.53B by 2034 at 3.97% CAGR. Government incentives like the UK 5-year AMR Action Plan and CARB-X rounds bolster developers targeting WHO priority pathogens. Infex's focus on novel mechanisms positions it against competitors emphasizing fungal or topical therapies.
Phase 2a Data Drives Expansion
Upcoming RESP-X Phase IIa results at ATS 2026 will inform next steps, potentially expanding to cystic fibrosis and COPD. MET-X commercialization advances in India, while preclinical assets eye partnerships. £1M PACE grant supports BamA progression, building on iiCON's £19M UKRI backing.