Destiny Pharma (DEST) has confirmed that its lead candidate, topical antimicrobial XF-73, has been granted FDA Fast Track Designation in the new FDA-backed indication - prevention of post-surgical staphylococcal infection. Following the recent Investigational New Drug (IND) opening, XF-73 is due to enter Phase IIb studies this year, positioning it as a potential first-to-market product in the indication. Fast track designation is one of a range of incentives granted under Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) status granted to XF-73. QIDP supports the development of drugs against priority pathogens, such as S aureus, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus - MRSA.