Beta-lactamase (Ribaxamase) (SYN-004)

Ribaxamase (SYN-004) is a recombinant, orally administered Class A beta-lactamase enzyme derived from Bacillus licheniformis, specifically engineered to protect the gastrointestinal microbiome from the collateral damage of systemic antibiotics (Kokai-Kun et al., 2017, The Lancet Infectious Diseases). Its primary biological function is the hydrolysis of the beta-lactam ring, which inactivates various penicillins and cephalosporins that are excreted into the intestine via bile (Connelly et al., 2019, Journal of Clinical Pharmacology). In clinical applications, ribaxamase is used to prevent the disruption of commensal bacteria, thereby reducing the incidence of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) and antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) (Synthetic Biologics, 2023). The enzyme is formulated to remain within the gastrointestinal tract and is not absorbed into the bloodstream, ensuring that it does not interfere with the systemic efficacy of the antibiotic used to treat the primary infection (Connelly et al., 2019). This therapeutic strategy addresses the significant clinical challenge of dysbiosis and secondary infections associated with broad-spectrum antibiotic use in hospitalized patients (Kokai-Kun et al., 2017). By maintaining the ecological balance of the gut flora, ribaxamase serves as a prophylactic enzymatic therapy to preserve intestinal health during antibiotic treatment.

Other names

SYN-004P1A beta-lactamasePenicillinaseRecombinant beta-lactamase

Ribaxamase is an orally administered, non-absorbed enzyme that degrades residual beta-lactam antibiotics in the gastrointestinal tract to prevent microbiome disruption and opportunistic infections.