OREANDA-NEWS. March 16, 2016. Motif Bio plc (AIM: MTFB), the clinical stage biopharmaceutical company specialising in developing novel antibiotics, announces the appointment of specialist adviser The Fulford Group Ltd ("The Fulford Group") to assist Motif in developing and implementing strategies to commercialise iclaprim, the Company's lead antibiotic currently in pivotal Phase 3 trials for the treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSIs), in territories outside of the USA.

The Company expects that such partnerships could provide the Company with additional development capital in the form of upfront payments, milestone payments and ongoing royalty fees. The appointment of The Fulford Group, a specialist strategic adviser in the healthcare sector, is an important step towards the commercialisation of iclaprim.

Motif intends to commericalise iclaprim directly in the USA.

Graham Lumsden, CEO of Motif Bio, stated: "The future commercialisation of iclaprim is a key driver of value for the business, particularly its potential as an antibiotic treatment for serious and life-threatening infections caused by multi-drug resistant bacteria. Dosing has now begun in our two Phase 3 clinical trials and successful completion of these trials will satisfy FDA and EMA requirements for regulatory approval. With trials expected to complete in the second half of 2017, we are keen to begin engaging with strategic partners to commercialise our lead product candidate whilst retaining the all-important rights for iclaprim in the US, the largest pharmaceutical market in the World.  I am confident that The Fulford Group will be instrumental in the delivery of such partnerships."