Glox Therapeutics invigorates leadership team to advance bacteriocin-based antibiotics

/ in E-News

Glox Therapeutics has announced strategic appointments to accelerate the development of its novel bacteriocin-based antibiotic platform, with Dr Michael Murray joining as Chair and Dr Nel Moore strengthening the Scientific Advisory Board. The Glasgow-based biotechnology company is pioneering a distinctive approach to combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through engineered protein bacteriocins that selectively target drug-resistant pathogens.

Expertise in commercialisation and development

Dr Murray brings nearly three decades of life sciences commercialisation experience to the role of Chair. His extensive background includes senior management positions at multiple biotech and pharma-
ceutical organisations including Metallobio, Porton Biopharma, and Sosei Heptares.

As Principal at Murray International Partners, he has orchestrated high-value international deals throughout the sector.

With significant academic connections, Dr Murray serves as a Member of The Royal Society Industry College and Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Sheffield. His expertise in intellectual property management and commercialisation of technical innovations adds valuable strategic guidance as Glox transitions from early-stage development toward commercialisation pathways.
Dr Nel Moore joins the Scientific Advisory Board with substantial credentials in antibiotics development. During her 21-year pharmaceutical industry career, Dr Moore previously served as Vice President of Antibiotics Development at AstraZeneca, where she led the development, regulatory submission and approval of Zavicefta/Avycaz for treating multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.

Her subsequent leadership of Astra-Zeneca’s antibiotics development organisation supported four antibiotics at various development and commercialisation stages before the division’s divestment to Pfizer.
Dr Moore, who holds a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Birmingham, currently serves as Executive Chair/CEO of CHAIN Biotechnology alongside advisory roles with several CARB-X Advisory Boards.

Addressing antimicrobial resistance challenges

The appointments come at a critical juncture for antibiotic development globally. AMR represents one of the most pressing public health challenges, with common infections becoming increasingly resistant to existing antibiotics. Glox Therapeutics’ approach utilises bacteriocins –naturally occurring antimicrobial proteins – which have been engineered to target specific bacterial pathogens.

This precision targeting mechanism potentially offers advantages over broad-spectrum antibiotics by minimising collateral damage to beneficial microbiota while delivering potent activity against targeted pathogens. The platform represents a distinct therapeutic class in the antibiotic development pipeline.

Dr James Clark, CEO and Co-founder of Glox Therapeutics, highlighted the strategic importance of the appointments: “Drs Murray and Moore have an outstanding track record in their respective fields. We are delighted to welcome both of these eminent individuals on board as we continue to drive expansion and strengthen our team. Their commercial expertise and unique research perspectives will be an invaluable strategic resource as we stride towards our goal to create potent, species-specific antibiotics that combat AMR.”

Funding momentum

The leadership expansion follows successful early funding for the company, including completion of a seed funding round and grants from PACE and the CF AMR Syndicate. These resources support the continued development of the company’s bacteriocin engineering platform and advancement of lead candidates.

Dr Murray expressed optimism about joining at this stage: “It’s a thrilling time to be joining the Board following the company’s successful seed funding round and PACE and CF AMR Syndicate grants. The exemplary team at Glox Therapeutics and the calibre of science behind its pioneering platform are set to transform the management of AMR infections. I’m excited to help the company grow and continue to progress its therapeutic programme to unlock the incredible potential of this technology.”

The company’s Scientific Advisory Board, led by Professor Christoph Tang FMedSci, includes co-founder Professor Colin Kleanthous FMedSci alongside experts in micro­biology, infectious diseases, and biopharmaceutical development. Dr Moore’s addition strengthens the board’s anti­microbial development expertise as programs progress toward clinical development phases.