MEET THE TEAM | Lynda Berne, Head of Commercial

With a successful track record of commercialising therapies in the antimicrobial space, and over 18 years of experience in senior commercial leadership within the pharmaceutical sector, Lynda Berne is well equipped to lead the commercial strategy for Botanix’s antimicrobial asset BTX1801.

“BTX1801 is an extremely interesting therapy, as it is the first and only CBD antimicrobial that has shown potent bactericidal activity against gram-positive pathogens with no development of resistance, as well as effective eradication of Staphylococcus aureus in nasal carriers, while maintaining an excellent safety and tolerability profile.”

Lynda is currently collaborating with the clinical team to build the commercial strategy and determine the optimal pathway to market for BTX1801.

“We are evaluating various patient populations at high risk of S. aureus bloodstream infections. This has led us to identify haemodialysis patients who use central venous catheters for dialysis as a population at very high risk of bloodstream infections. 

“There are currently no therapies approved to reduce the risk of bloodstream infections among haemodialysis patients, which creates a significant opportunity for Botanix.” 

Lynda is currently working with health economists and key opinion leaders in nephrology and infectious disease to provide input into Botanix’s clinical trials program and health economic outcomes research plan, with a view to sharing study outcomes with investors and potential partners.

“Our priority right now is to raise awareness of the unmet need and economic burden of bloodstream infections in this population, and to position BTX1801 as the solution.”