Recce Pharmaceuticals positioned for US$66.9 billion US biodefence strategy
Last updated: 21:49 29 Jul 2026 EDT, First published: 21:40 29 Jul 2026 EDT
Recce Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX:RCE, OTC:RECEF) is positioned to benefit from a new five-year, US$66.9 billion US Government strategy aimed at strengthening national defences against pandemics, antimicrobial resistance and other major biological threats.
The strategy identifies broad-spectrum antimicrobials as its second-largest single-threat funding priority, with an assessed US$4.46 billion required to support the development of new treatments for drug-resistant infections and priority pathogens.
This focus closely aligns with Recce’s synthetic anti-infective technology and its existing research collaborations with US defence agencies.
US strategy prioritises antimicrobial development
Released by the US Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, the plan outlines funding needs across ASPR, the National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The proposed investment is intended to support antimicrobial candidates from preclinical research through clinical trials, regulatory approval and eventual market availability.
Priority threats include melioidosis, tularemia, plague, anthrax and multidrug-resistant ESKAPE pathogens, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Recce said its lead candidate, RECCE® 327, has demonstrated activity against several of the pathogen classes highlighted in the strategy through existing US research programs.
Existing US biodefence relationships
The funding strategy complements Recce’s two Cooperative Research and Development Agreements with the US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases and the US Army Institute of Surgical Research.
The company is also supported by a US$2 million Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs grant.
Recce chief executive officer James Graham said the strategy reinforced the national security importance of developing new anti-infective drugs.
“This substantial budget confirms the national security and health threats caused by antimicrobial resistance and the US government’s prioritisation of the need for new anti-infective drugs,” Graham said.
“RECCE® 327 has demonstrated activity against many of the priority pathogens named in this plan, which reinforces the strategic value of our ongoing biodefence collaborations.”
While Recce believes it is well positioned to pursue opportunities arising from the initiative, the company cautioned that it cannot guarantee it will receive additional funding.
About Recce Pharmaceuticals
Recce Pharmaceuticals is developing a new class of synthetic anti-infectives targeting antibiotic-resistant bacteria and other serious infectious diseases.
Its pipeline includes intravenous and topical candidate R327 for serious bacterial infections, orally administered R435 for bacterial infections and R529 for viral infections.
R327 has received Qualified Infectious Disease Product designation from the US FDA, providing Fast Track status and the potential for 10 years of market exclusivity following approval. Recce also wholly owns an automated manufacturing facility supporting its clinical programs.
