Trius Therapeutics
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Biotechnology |
| Predecessor | Rx3 |
| Founded | February 2007 |
| Founder | John Schmid, John Finn |
| Fate | Acquired by Cubist Pharmaceuticals |
| Successor | Cubist Pharmaceuticals |
| Headquarters | San Diego , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Jeffrey Stein (CEO), Philippe Prokocimer (CMO), Craig Thompson (CCO), Ken Bartizal (CDO), David Kabakoff (Chairman of the Board) |
| Products | Tedizolid phosphate (TR-701) |
Number of employees | 83 (2013) |
Trius Therapeutics () was a biotechnology firm based in San Diego, focusing on the development of antibiotics.
Business profile
The company's primary asset, tedizolid phosphate (TR-701), successfully concluded Phase 3 clinical studies (ESTABLISH 1) aimed at treating acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI). This oxazolidinone antibiotic, administered once daily either intravenously or orally, is effective against serious gram-positive pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The clinical trials were conducted under a Special Protocol Agreement with the FDA, designating lesion resolution within 48 to 72 hours as the main outcome measure. Findings demonstrated that a six-day course of 200 mg tedizolid was safe, well tolerated, and matched the efficacy of a ten-day linezolid regimen while producing fewer gastrointestinal and treatment-related adverse effects.
Trius intended to initiate a second Phase 2 trial, with data anticipated by the first quarter of 2013, and planned to file a New Drug Application (NDA) with the FDA by late 2013. On June 20, 2014, tedizolid received FDA approval.
In July 2013, Cubist Pharmaceuticals acquired Trius for $1.6 billion in a transaction that also included Optimer Pharmaceuticals.
Funding
Founded in February 2007 under the name Rx3, Trius launched with Series A financing. In August 2010, the company completed its initial public offering, raising $50 million. By 2012, Trius’ shares were incorporated into the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index.
Partnerships and Government Contracts
Trius obtained a $28 million contract in 2008 from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to develop antibiotics targeting gram-negative bacteria and partnered with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory on bioterrorism-related projects. In 2011, Trius secured an additional $3 million contract from Lawrence Livermore. That year also saw Bayer acquire exclusive rights to market tedizolid in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America through a deal valued at $94 million.
Employees
The company was established by founders and key executives John Schmid (former CFO) and John Finn (CSO). The executive team included CEO Jeffrey Stein, Chief Medical Officer Philippe Prokocimer, Chief Commercial Officer Craig Thompson, and Chief Development Officer Ken Bartizal. David Kabakoff held the position of Chairman of the Board. Trius employed 83 full-time personnel supporting its expansion and international operations.