AN2 Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:ANTX), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel small molecule therapeutics derived from its boron chemistry platform, today announced the initiation of a Phase 2 investigator-initiated clinical trial evaluating the safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of epetraborole, an orally administered inhibitor of leucyl-tRNA synthetase (LeuRS), for the treatment of pulmonary disease caused by Mycobacterium abscessus (M. abscessus). The 84-patient, multicenter, randomized, double-blind study is being led by Dr. Kevin Winthrop at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), in collaboration with other investigators across an estimated 10-15 sites in the U.S. Patient screening has been initiated, with topline data planned for late 2027.

"Mycobacterium abscessus remains one of the most challenging pulmonary pathogens, with limited treatment options consisting of prolonged, poorly tolerated, complex, multidrug daily IV regimens," said Kevin L. Winthrop, M.D., MPH, Professor of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University, and principal investigator leading the investigator-initiated study. "An orally administered, novel investigative agent such as epetraborole, if shown to be safe and effective in humans, has the potential to become a backbone agent in multidrug regimens for the treatment of M. abscessus lung disease. A new therapeutic that could reduce the burden imposed by current treatment options and improves outcomes for patients with this difficult-to-treat infection would be welcomed by patients and care providers alike."

"Individuals living with M. abscessus lung disease face an incredibly difficult treatment journey, and today's milestone reflects our commitment to changing that trajectory," said Eric Easom, Co-founder, Chairman, President, and CEO of AN2 Therapeutics. "M. abscessus pulmonary infection is a serious condition with no FDA-approved therapies and limited treatment options. We believe epetraborole's oral dosing and targeted novel mechanism provide a strong foundation as we work to deliver better, more accessible treatment solutions for patients who urgently need them."