Bench2Bedside:
Tell our readers a bit about Maxwell Biosciences and what you’re doing as a company.

J. Scotch McClure, CEO of Maxwell Biosciences:
Maxwell Biosciences is a global health company pioneering a new category of anti-infectives based on synthetic, small molecules called Claromers®. These are designed to selectively target weaknesses in pathogens—viruses, bacteria, and fungi—without relying on conventional drug mechanisms that drive resistance. By improving on natural immune peptides, we’ve created molecules with greater stability, safety, and the ability to address infections that conventional antibiotics, antifungals, or antivirals can’t. Our mission is to make this technology deployable across diverse settings—from hospitals and clinics to field medicine and pandemic response—leveraging the scalability and stability of Claromers to meet global infectious disease challenges.

Bench2Bedside:
You recently announced a $20 million financing. Congratulations! How are you planning to deploy the capital?

J. Scotch McClure:
This financing is enabling us to accelerate on multiple fronts. We’re conducting IND-enabling studies to generate the preclinical safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetic data required for regulatory submissions. We’re expanding GMP manufacturing in the US and Europe to ensure rapid, scalable, and cost-effective production while tracing secondary and tertiary supply chain risks. We’re preparing for first-in-human trials of our lead candidate, MXB-22,510, and broadening our Claromer library to respond to evolving threats. We’re also advancing device integration, such as smart delivery systems for brain infections, investing in internal AI-driven drug discovery, and laying the groundwork for potential spinouts in defense and livestock applications. Strategic partnerships with research institutions, government agencies, and pharma companies are another critical area of investment.

Bench2Bedside:
Could you describe the pressing clinical problem, such as resistant infections or biofilm-related conditions, that Claromer® specifically targets, and why this remains a critical gap in current antimicrobial therapy?

J. Scotch McClure:
Antibiotic resistance kills hundreds of thousands of people annually and continues to grow. Biofilm-protected infections—like chronic rhinosinusitis, cystic fibrosis lung infections, or device-related sepsis—are notoriously unresponsive to standard therapies. Antifungal resistance is also rising, and viral pandemics have exposed the limitations of existing antivirals. Claromers are uniquely effective against resistant and biofilm-associated pathogens by targeting assemblies critical to pathogens but absent in human cells. This reduces toxicity risks while minimizing the chance of resistance. By combining activity against bacteria, fungi, and viruses in one platform, Claromers address gaps that traditional therapies cannot.

Bench2Bedside:
Please walk us through how Claromer® molecules mechanistically disrupt pathogens while maintaining human cell safety, and why this pathogen-agnostic strategy matters in clinical use.

J. Scotch McClure:
Claromers act through multiple converging mechanisms. They disrupt pathogen nanomachinery by aggregating ribosomes and nucleic acids, halting protein synthesis. Their chemical properties allow them to penetrate biofilms, reaching otherwise protected microbes. They destabilize pathogen membranes by binding to unique lipids that aren’t present in human cells, sparing host tissue. Unlike proteins, they resist proteolytic degradation, retaining potency in hostile environments. Importantly, their pathogen-agnostic activity means they can be deployed empirically before diagnosis, minimize resistance emergence, support immune-compromised patients, and provide defense against novel or engineered pathogens.

Bench2Bedside:
Describe your lead candidate, MXB-22,510, and plans for advancing its development.

J. Scotch McClure:
MXB-22,510 was selected for its potent activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria, fungi, and viruses, combined with strong safety and pharmacokinetics in preclinical models. We’re advancing it for severe acute and chronic infections where biofilms and resistance play a role. Key indications include chronic rhinosinusitis, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and device-related infections, as well as rescue therapy for immunocompromised patients. Development plans include completing IND-enabling studies, filing an IND for an initial upper respiratory or chronic infection indication, and moving into Phase 1 trials with healthy volunteers and subsequently patients. We’re also exploring localized, device-based delivery for infections where biofilms are central.

Bench2Bedside:
What milestones are you hoping to achieve over the next 12 to 24 months?

J. Scotch McClure:
Our near-term goals include finalizing and submitting the IND for MXB-22,510, scaling GMP manufacturing, and initiating Phase 1 safety studies. We aim to transition into Phase 2 proof-of-concept trials in high-need indications and generate pivotal efficacy data in resistant and biofilm models. At the same time, we’re expanding the Claromer library to address new pathogens, advancing smart device integration for targeted delivery, and building global partnerships in the US, India, UAE, and beyond. Collectively, these milestones will move us closer to redefining how the world approaches infectious disease treatment.