PTC672

PTC672 is an investigational small molecule antibiotic belonging to the 4-hydroxy-2-pyridone class that acts as a potent and selective inhibitor of class Ia ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) in Neisseria gonorrhoeae. By targeting RNR, PTC672 disrupts DNA synthesis, leading to bactericidal activity specifically against N. gonorrhoeae, including multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains, while sparing most other Gram-negative bacteria and commensal gut microbiota. In preclinical mouse models, single oral doses of PTC672 achieved complete and sustained clearance of both susceptible and MDR N. gonorrhoeae infections. Mutations conferring resistance to PTC672 map to the N-terminal cone domain of the Ng Ia RNR and result in reduced bacterial fitness, suggesting a potential to limit resistance emergence. PTC672 is under development as a pathogen-specific antibiotic for gonorrhea, aiming to address the urgent need for novel therapeutics for drug-resistant N. gonorrhoeae[1][9][11].