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• Trius Therapeutics, one of our first profiles back in 2008, announced positive data from its Phase 2 trial of torezolid (TR-701), a next-generation oxazolidinone antibiotic licensed from Dong-A Pharmaceuticals back in 2007, in patients with severe complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI). The study was a double-blind, dose-ranging study conducted at eight centers in the U.S., using doses of 200, 300 or 400 mg once-daily for five to seven days. The overall cure rates of clinically evaluable patients (164) for severe abscesses, cellulitis and wound infections were 96%, 97% and 90%, respectively. In the group of microbiologically evaluable patients (133, 71%), clinical cure was achieved in 100%, 93% and 96% of patients receiving 200, 300 or 400 mg doses, respectively. There were no clinical relapses at the late follow-up visit 21-28 days post treatment. TR-701 is in the same class of drugs as linezolid although with greater potency, a wider safety window and a lower rate of resistance development in MRSA. Thumbs up!! [PRNewswire]

• Pappas Ventures has led a $3M tranche of $7M round into LEAD Therapeutics. LEAD last raised $17M in 2007 led by Pappas and ProQuest Investments. LEAD’s most advanced programs are a PARP inhibitor in development for BRCA- breast and ovarian cancer, with an expected IND filing in 2010, and a next-generation anti-MRSA glycopeptide, also with an anticipated 2010 IND filing. On a side note, Pappas pulled in a fourth funding round of $102M back in March 2009. [BizJournals]

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