Chapel Hill-based drug developer Cempra has cleared a major hurdle toward FDA approval of an experimental drug that could work toward solving one of the biggest health issues worldwide.

Jason deBruyn, with the Triangle Business Journal, says the drug would work to treat one of the most commonly diagnosed bacterial infections in the world.

“[The treatment is] specifically for Community Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia,” he says. “It’s actually the number one cause of death from infection.”

deBruyn says this condition is diagnosed in 5 to 10 million new cases every year.

“It’s developed some antibiotic resistance,” he says. “The Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization have cited antibiotic resistance as the number one problem facing the world on a health care basis.”

deBruyn says the experimental drug has cleared one phase three trial, which is required to receive approval from the Food and Drug Administration.

He says positive phase three results mean the drug has made progress in treating a human subject with the disease. Cempra has another phase three trial underway currently.

If Cempra does receive approval, the Chapel Hill-based drug developer will likely hope this medication would serve as treatment for many other infections, according to deBruyn.

“If they receive approval from the FDA for their drug to treat that disease,” he says, “it’s very common for drug developers to see what else this could fight.”

Cempra is attempting to raise $140 million through stock offerings to continue funding their research.

deBruyn says approval from the FDA could still be more than a year away.

Related Stories
‹
UNC Alum Taking Over Leadership of FDA
Monday starts the first official week with Ned Sharpless serving as the acting commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration. Sharpless took over in the role officially on Friday afternoon, according to the agency’s website. Sharpless has most recently been serving as the director of the National Cancer Institute, an appointment he accepted in 2017 […]
UNC Virologists Discover New Strategy to Treat HIV Infections
HIV has infected over 70 million people according to the World Health Organization, but virologists at UNC-Chapel Hill are now one step closer to stopping the spread of the insidious pathogen. The effective but temporary nature of current HIV treatments was the impetus for Dr. J. Victor Garcia and his team to consider how the […]
Misled no more! The FDA simplifies sunscreen
Consumers have been confused for years about sunscreen products. I have been telling my patients for years to use a broad spectrum sunscreen, meaning a sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection. Currently in order to make sure you are getting a good sunscreen to help protect against skin cancer, you have to read the […]
The 5:00 News - Two Mayors Seeking Reelection, Budget Talks Continue, Huge Party Busted
The Hill's Andrew Stuckey presents the afternoon news. Included in this edition of the news, we learn that Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee and Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson will both seek reelection for a second two year term this November. We learn of a 2,500 person party leading to charges against an Orange County property owner. He check in on continued budget talks, hear a MediaHub story on a banned books bill, and more. In sports, the Diamond Heels get a big win against NC State, spring sports transition into the postseason, and more.
The 5:00 News - Carrboro, Chapel Hill Mayors Both Announce Re-election Bids
The Hill's Andrew Stuckey presents the afternoon news. Included in this edition of the news, Carrboro Mayor Barbara Foushee announced her intention to run for reelection this year. Later in the day, Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson announced her intention to run for reelection as well. We also hear about recent polling numbers in North Carolina from Tom Jensen, as well as a story on the impact of recent cuts on the local science community, and more.
Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson Announces 2025 Re-Election Campaign
Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson will run for a second term this summer and fall, as she announced Thursday on 97.9 The Hill.
Chapel Hill: Re-election Run, Budget, Trip To Washington
Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, May 8. She announced her campaign for re-election for another two years as Mayor. She also shared details of a recent visit to Washington, D.C. to advocate for federal transportation funding, particularly for the Bus Rapid Transit line the town hopes to have on MLK Blvd. She discussed the budget proposal from town manager Mary Jane Nirdlinger, including the next steps and timeline for community feedback. She also discussed upcoming town events and more.
Water Main Break Closes Chapel Hill Road; OWASA Issues Boil Water Advisory for Affected Customers
The Orange Water and Sewer Authority responded to a water main break in Chapel Hill on Thursday morning along Willow Drive.
On Air Today: Aaron Nelson, President of the Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro
Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill-Carrboro President Aaron Nelson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Wednesday, May 8. He discussed the 18th annual "State of the Community" address from earlier that day, which he delivered at an event at the Friday Center. He discussed economic and demographic trends in our community. He also talked about the community's economic resilience ahead of uncertain times, and more.
On Air Today: Chapel Hill Sustainability Program Analyst Brennan Bouma
Chapel Hill's Sustainability Program Analyst Brennan Bouma spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, May 6. He discussed Chapel Hill's new e-bike library, which allows residents to check out an e-bike for up to seven days from two different bike shops around town. He discussed the genesis of the program, the different bikes offered, and more.
›