The new US patent specifically covers BDM-I’s activity against Plasmodium falciparum, the protozoan (a type of microorganism) responsible for causing the most commonly severe form of malaria, and Trichomonas vaginalis, the protozoan responsible for causing a common sexually transmitted disease named trichomoniasis.
The new patent supplements the existing US patent grant for BDM-I for treatment of the extremely common condition of vulvovaginitis (vaginal inflammation), expanding BDM-I’s intellectual property protections across major new indications. Notably the patent granted for BDM-I’s activity in vulvovaginitis specifically included some of the most prevalent vaginitis-causing microorganisms.
“BioDiem continues to develop data supporting BDM-I’s broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against important infectious diseases with the aim of substantially increasing the value of the compound in anticipation of securing a licensing agreement”, said BioDiem Chief Executive Officer Julie Phillips.
About Malaria and Trichomoniasis
Malaria affects millions of people worldwide each year, mostly in the regions of Asia, Africa and South America which have the highest populations of mosquitoes carrying the disease-causing protozoa. Most cases involve fevers, but the World Health Organization estimated that approximately 655,000 people died of the disease in 2010. These deaths are largely due to infection with Plasmodium falciparum. A number of anti-malarial drugs exist, but many have undesirable side-effects and increasing resistance to the drugs is a major issue in preventing the spread of the disease.
Trichomoniasis is an extremely common infection which usually presents as inflammation of the female urogenitary tract. Infection with trichomoniasis has been associated with an increased likelihood of the development of some cancers, HIV infection and reproductive issues.
About BioDiem Ltd
BioDiem is an ASX-listed company based in Melbourne with an international focus on discovering, developing and commercialising world-class research and technology for vaccines. BioDiem’s core technologies derive from its expertise with the Live Attenuated Influenza Virus (LAIV), which has been developed as an intranasal vaccine to prevent infection from seasonal and pandemic influenza. BioDiem is also developing non-LAIV-related assets including BDM-I, a synthetic compound active against a range of pathogenic micro-organisms including gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, fungi and protozoa. Key patents have been filed around BDM-I’s antimicrobial action. BDM-I is being developed for the treatment of serious human infections with outlicensing as the intended outcome. The LAIV influenza vaccine can be produced using egg-based and cell-based manufacturing methods. The cell- based LAIV vaccine has completed a Proof of Concept (Phase II) clinical trial. The egg-based LAIV vaccine technology is licensed to the World Health Organization as part of the Global Pandemic Influenza Action Plan to Increase Vaccine Supply. This allows governmental and non-governmental organizations or private companies in developing countries to produce seasonal and pandemic vaccines in eggs. The LAIV influenza vaccine is marketed as Nasovac™ in India by the Serum Institute of India. The LAIV is also being explored as a viral vector for use in the development of novel non-influenza vaccines.
In December 2011 BioDiem acquired Savine Therapeutics Pty Ltd. Savine is a platform technology for the design of antigens for incorporation into vaccines targeting a range of different diseases.
For additional information, please visit www.biodiem.com
Further information
Investors
Julie Phillips, Chief Executive Officer
BioDiem Ltd B
Phone +61 3 9613 4100 Ph
Email jphillips@biodiem.com
Media
Tom Donovan
Buchan Consulting
Phone +61 3 8866 1224 / +61 422 557 107
Email tdonovan@buchanwe.com.au
