Specifically-Targeted Antimicrobial Peptides (STAMPs) consist of three functionally-independent peptide regions within a single molecule. STAMPs have the ability to seek out and selectively kill specific microbial pathogens within biofilms while leaving the remainder of the microbial ecosystem undisturbed. This approach represents a quantum improvement over broad-spectrum antibiotics, the overuse/misuse of which has fueled the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria; the so-called "superbugs". C3 Scientists have successfully generated STAMPs targeting a number of human pathogens.

C3 scientist working on early research programs have also demonstrated STAMP variations that have specific activity against numerous pathogenic bacteria and fungi, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, MRSA, VRE, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Clostridium difficile, Listeria monocytogenes, Candida albicans, and the emerging pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii. Preclinical data for one lead molecule indicates potent activity against P. aeruginosa biofilms, and displays synergistic activity with the antibiotic Tobramycin. Our unique rational design platform allows us to rapidly design a library of highly-active lead STAMPs against established, or newly emerging pathogens.