About Us
Who we are
Our Approach
Alterbiotix is a spin-off from the University of Bern*, founded on years of research by Associate Professor Lucy Hathaway at the Institute for Infectious Diseases (IFIK), Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland. We are developing novel peptide-based therapies to address Streptococcus pneumoniae, a major pathogen responsible for invasive diseases such as meningitis and severe pneumonia.
Our Mission
To pioneer a new class of non-antibiotic therapeutics that target S. pneumoniae, the 4th deadliest pathogen associated with antimicrobial resistance.
Our Vision
To deliver first-in-class pharmaceutical solutions based on our patented peptides—offering a unique bacteriostatic mechanism that directly counters antibiotic resistance and boosts the efficacy of existing treatments.
Our Research
Our team has discovered a series of bioactive peptides selectively taken up by the conserved Ami permease in S. pneumoniae. Our lead candidate, V11A, demonstrates potent bacteriostatic activity—including against antibiotic resistant strains—while reducing inflammation and sparing beneficial microbiota. By restoring antibiotic susceptibility, it has the potential to reduce both mortality and long-term complications.