ContraFect Corporation

Client Profile

ContraFect Corporation was a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of direct lytic agents (DLAs), including lysins and amurin peptides, as new medical modalities for the treatment of life-threatening, antibiotic-resistant infections across multiple indications, including staphylococcus and MRSA.

Situation

The Company’s primary drug candidate commenced a Phase 3 clinical trial in early 2020. The clinical trial was negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the outcome failed to meet the primary endpoint. Subsequently, the company shifted focus to a new indication, which was a first-in-class lysin with broad-spectrum activity against Gram-negative pathogens, which failed its interim analysis compared to placebo. Due to liquidity challenges, the Company filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection in the District of Delaware on December 4, 2023.

Solution

SSG was retained by the Chapter 7 Trustee in January 2024 to conduct an expedited marketing process and solicit offers for substantially all of ContraFect’s assets. After canvassing a wide range of investors, SSG received several qualified bids, resulting in a robust auction in March 2024 with multiple rounds of bidding. The final bid from Aurobac Therapeutics SAS ultimately provided the best outcome and maximized value for all stakeholders. SSG’s ability to generate interest from buyers in an efficient and timely process enabled the Chapter 7 Trustee to maximize the value of the assets for the benefit of the estate.