Novel, BIO-inspired chloramine to treat cutaneous fungal infections without resistance generation potential

Halomine Inc. (doing business as Avantguard) received a $299,435 Project Grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) under the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.855) to develop and optimize a novel, bio-inspired chloramine-based antifungal treatment for cutaneous fungal infections. The award, effective August 1, 2025 through July 31, 2026, supports the advancement of a stabilized chloramine polymer formulation designed to address rising antifungal resistance in fungal infections such as ringworm (tinea). The stabilized chloramine technology offers broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy without demonstrated resistance generation potential, representing a differentiated approach to an emerging public health challenge flagged by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The funded project comprises three primary research and development activities: (1) testing minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against a larger cohort of fungi and incorporating the compound into a hydrogel format to confirm broad efficacy; (2) conducting in vivo biofilm efficacy studies using a porcine model against Trichophyton rubrum and T. interdigitale with comparative testing against miconazole and clotrimazole reference treatments; and (3) executing safety assessments through acute dermal irritation testing following established regulatory guidance (OCSPP 870.2500/OECD 404). These activities will establish the commercial viability and regulatory pathway for the novel antifungal formulation.

Abstract

Resistance due to mutations in fungi is a result of widespread use of antifungals, which has led to an increase in chronic cases, and is considered an increasing public health burden by the CDC. The CDC recently flagged antifungal resistance as an increasing threat in the US, particularly with respect to ringworm. Halomine, doing business as avantguard, has developed a stabilized chloramine that creates a novel active with residual efficacy to serve as an antifungal, providing excellent broad-spectrum efficacy and no history of resistance generation. Our polymer is a combination of an n-halamine containing monomer and other monomers that improve solubility. Key differentiators are: chlorine is broad spectrum; the molecules are too large for uptake by cells, reducing cell death; no resistance generation; the formulation has shown no skin irritability; chlorine is a quick and efficient antimicrobial. The proposal is designed to optimize the product against fungi that cause tinea (ringworm): 1) test the MIC/MBC for a larger cohort of fungi, followed by incorporation into a hydrogel format to confirm the broad-efficacy of the compound. 2) the resulting formulations will be examined for ability to reduce biofilms in vivo in a porcine model against t. Rubrum or t. Interdigitale. These results will be compared to efficacy of miconazole (miconazole 7 - 2%, topcare), clotrimazole (clotrimazole cream - USP 1%, topcare), and an untreated control group, with a milestone of improved performance against the competition. 3) the formulations will undergo safety testing via an acute dermal irritation procedure following ocspp 870.2500/oecd 404 guidance.