Melinta Therapeutics, Inc. announced that its partner has commenced a new program for a topical formulation of radezolid, a second-generation oxazolidinone antibiotic discovered by Melinta scientists, in preparation for submitting an Investigational New Drug (IND) application to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of patients with bacterial vaginosis. Radezolid is also being studied by Melinta’s partner in a Phase 2 clinical study for the treatment of mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris. Bacterial vaginosis (BV) represents a complex change in vaginal flora, with overgrowth of certain vaginal bacterial species such as Gardnerella vaginalis. If left untreated, BV can increase a person's risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or HIV, and may increase the risk of premature delivery and low birth weight in children born from women with BV. Radezolid has demonstrated in-vitro activity against the species of bacteria often associated with bacterial vaginosis, which suggests it may be effective in this indication. The United States Food and Drug Administration has also recently designated radezolid a Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) for the indication of bacterial vaginosis. QIDP designation provides certain incentives for companies developing new antibiotics, including an additional five years of market exclusivity, priority NDA review and eligibility for fast-track development status.