TPR1, a novel rifampicin derivative, demonstrates efficacy alone and in combination with doxycycline against the NIAID Category A priority pathogen Francisella tularensis

Background Francisella tularensis is a highly virulent and contagious Gram-negative intracellular bacterium that causes the disease tularaemia in mammals and is classified as a Category A priority pathogen. Methods We utilized a systematic analysis of antibacterial potency, extent of dissemination by analysis of bacterial burden in a secondary vital organ, and survival rates to assess the efficacy of a novel rifampicin derivative, TPR1. The efficacy of TPR1 was evaluated alone and in combination with the standard of care drug, doxycycline, against type A F. tularensis Schu S4 using a lethal pulmonary model of infection in mice. Results TPR1 has an MIC value range of 0.125–4 mg/L against reference laboratory strain Schu S4 and a panel of clinical strains. TPR1 alone reduced the bacterial burden in the lungs and spleen at 40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg, and no antagonism was observed when co-administered with doxycycline. Dosing at 40 mg/kg doxycycline reduced the bacterial burden by 1 log 10  cfu in the lungs and 4 log 10  cfu in the spleen in comparison to untreated controls. Co-administration of TPR1 and doxycycline demonstrated efficacy upon treatment withdrawal after 4 days of treatment, and 100% survival. Conclusions Significantly, TPR1 demonstrated efficacy when delivered alone and in combination with doxycycline, which provides compelling evidence of a superior treatment strategy that would normally rely on a single chemotherapeutic for efficacy. In addition, this work substantiates the use of rifampicin derivatives as a platform for the development of novel treatments to other bacterial agents in addition to tularaemia.