Evotec and Sanofi scientists, together with TBAlliance and Tuberculosis Drug Accelerator (TBDA) partners, have been involved in the discovery of sequanamycins, a class of compounds that combat drug-resistant tuberculosis. The original compound , the SEQ-503 was a macrolide from the Sanofi Natural Product patrimony, discovered in 1962 in Vitry-sur Seine and named after sequana, the seine goddess in the Gallo-Roman religion. Optimization of SEQ-503 has given rise to SEQ9 with a remarkable efficacy against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb).

Key findings:

• Sequanamycins overcome Mtb’s inherent macrolide resistance.
• Lead compound SEQ-9 is bactericidal when combined with other TB drugs.

Promising prospects for TB clinical candidates!