Inhalable vancomycin–DNase powder for eradication of MRSA lung infections

Background

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major cause of hospital-acquired pneumonia, contributing to elevated mortality, prolonged hospitalizations, and increased healthcare costs. The persistence of MRSA in the lungs is largely due to its ability to form biofilms and generate persister cells, both of which protect the bacteria from conventional antibiotics and immune responses. Current treatment regimens, including intravenous vancomycin and linezolid, often fail to achieve effective concentrations in the lungs and carry risks of systemic toxicity. These shortcomings leave clinicians with few effective options, particularly for patients with chronic or biofilm-associated MRSA infections.

Technology overview

This inhalable therapy is a spray-dried powder formulation combining vancomycin hydrochloride and DNase I in a lipid-based matrix optimized for pulmonary delivery. The formulation yields amorphous particles with aero­dynamic diameters between 1 and 5 micrometers and a fine-particle fraction greater than 65 percent, ensuring deep lung deposition. Delivered via a high-resistance dry-powder inhaler, it enables efficient administration of therapeutic doses (100-200 mg vancomycin and 6.25-50 mg DNase I). DNase I degrades extracellular DNA in biofilms, significantly enhancing vancomycin penetration. In vitro studies demonstrate complete eradication of MRSA biofilms within 24 to 72 hours under a twice-daily dosing regimen. The formulation maintains enzymatic activity post-processing and minimizes systemic drug exposure by delivering both components directly to the infection site.

Benefits

  • Enables targeted lung delivery of vancomycin and DNase I
  • Eradicates MRSA biofilms by disrupting extracellular DNA structures
  • Minimizes systemic toxicity through localized delivery
  • Achieves high fine-particle fraction for deep lung deposition
  • Retains enzyme activity and antibiotic potency post-formulation

Applications

  • MRSA pneumonia treatment
  • Hospital-acquired respiratory infections
  • Biofilm-associated lung infections
  • Chronic lung disease management (e.g., cystic fibrosis)
  • Adjunct therapy to systemic antibiotics

Opportunity

  • Addresses urgent need for more effective MRSA lung infection therapies
  • Differentiated by dual-agent formulation with biofilm disruption capability
  • Compatible with existing dry-powder inhaler devices
  • Available for exclusive licensing