ContraFect's innovation centered on bacteriophage-derived lysins targeting conserved bacterial regions resistant to mutation, with lead candidate exebacase (CF-301) for prosthetic joint infections and CF-370 for gram-negative pathogens. The company held a license agreement with The Rockefeller University for gram-negative lysin research. Operations ceased following liquidation filing.
Cyborg Score Rationale
The company entered bankruptcy liquidation in December 2023, indicating failed clinical development, regulatory setbacks, or funding challenges that prevented commercialization. While the scientific platform was novel, execution and capitalization proved insufficient.
Top Insights
Pioneered novel direct lytic agents (lysins) as new antibiotic class targeting antibiotic-resistant pathogens
Filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation in December 2023, ending operations
Developed exebacase (CF-301) for prosthetic joint infections and CF-370 for gram-negative respiratory/urinary infections
Held partnership with Rockefeller University and received CARB-X non-dilutive funding (March 2019)
Named Competitors
Aicuron — Antimicrobial peptides for resistant infections
Conventional Antibiotics — Traditional antibiotic therapies