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ACURX Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ: ACXP) is a publicly held, clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Staten Island, New York. The firm focuses on developing a novel class of small-molecule antibiotics that selectively inhibit the Gram-positive bacterial enzyme DNA polymerase IIIC. Its lead candidate, ibezapolstat, is being advanced for the treatment of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI).
| Ticker | Exchange | Price (USD) | Change (%) | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACXP | NAS | 7.60 | +77.16 | 3,441,065 |
Corporate Structure
ACURX operates with a team of 11–50 employees. Co-founders David P. Luci (President & CEO) and Robert J. DeLuccia (Executive Chairman) bring experience in antibiotic drug development and pharmaceutical leadership, while Robert G. Shawah serves as Chief Financial Officer. The company maintains facilities at 259 Liberty Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305.
Antibiotics by freestocks
Recent Developments and News
- June 17, 2025: Entered a warrant inducement agreement leading to the exercise of existing warrants at $0.60 per share, generating approximately $2.67 million in gross proceeds. Investors received new G-1 and G-2 warrants exercisable at $0.425 over five years.
- July 17 & Aug 4, 2025: Stockholders approved, and the board affected, a 1-for-20 reverse stock split to regain compliance with Nasdaq’s minimum bid price requirement. Trading on a split-adjusted basis began August 5 under CUSIP 00510M 203.
- Aug 12, 2025: Reported second-quarter results for the period ended June 30, 2025. Cash stood at $6.1 million (compared to $3.7 million at year-end 2024). R&D expenses decreased by $1.3 million year-over-year to $0.5 million; G&A expenses declined by $0.6 million to $1.7 million. Highlights included:
- The Indian Patent Office granted a new patent for DNA polymerase IIIC inhibitors, which expires in December 2039.
- Closed an equity line of credit with Lincoln Park Capital for up to $12 million.
- Published Phase 2b clinical data for ibezapolstat in Lancet Microbe.
- Aug 14, 2025: Armistice Capital LLC filed a Schedule 13G disclosing beneficial ownership of 2,917,975 shares (8.70% of class) as of June 30, 2025.
- Sep 19 & Sep 22, 2025: Filed Form 8-K reports under Items 5.07 and 5.03/9.01, respectively, pertaining to material agreements and corporate events (details available via SEC EDGAR).
Financial and Strategic Aspects
Since December 31, 2024, ACURX has raised approximately $15 million through warrant inducements, an equity line of credit, and public financings. The warrant exercise in June 2025 contributed $2.7 million before fees. R&D spending decreased as clinical manufacturing and consulting costs associated with prior-year trials decreased. General and administrative expenses decreased primarily due to lower share-based compensation. The company’s cash balance of $6.1 million supports ongoing preclinical programs and Phase 3 readiness for ibezapolstat, though further funding will be required to initiate international trials. Patent life extension in India and Fast Track designation by the FDA for ibezapolstat provide additional intellectual property protection and regulatory incentives.
Market Position and Industry Context
Antimicrobial resistance is acknowledged as a public health threat, with C. difficile classified as an urgent pathogen by the CDC. ACURX’s GPSS® technology platform targets DNA polymerase IIIC, a mechanism not exploited by existing antibiotics. The pipeline also includes early candidates against MRSA, VRE, drug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Bacillus anthracis. Competition includes large pharmaceutical and specialty biotech firms pursuing next-generation Gram-positive therapies. ACURX’s focused program and regulatory designations aim to address unmet needs in CDI and other resistant infections.
tl;dr
As of October 8, 2025, ACXP shares trade at $7.60, reflecting a 77.16% increase intraday, following a series of financings—including a $2.67 million warrant exercise on June 17 and a $12 million equity line in May—an India patent grant in April, and a reduction in operating expenses. The company implemented a 1-for-20 reverse split on August 4 to meet Nasdaq requirements and ended Q2 2025 with $6.1 million in cash. Ibezapolstat is Phase 3 ready for C. difficile infection, with trials slated to start pending additional funding. Key investors include Armistice Capital (8.70% ownership as of June 30). Future milestones are linked to securing capital for international Phase 3 studies and advancing preclinical candidates.
