FYI - from 6/7/2000 https://www.icis.com/explore/resources/news/2000/07/06/116208/australia-chemeq-agent-seen-effective-against-hp-bacteria/

SINGAPORE (CNI)--Australian pharmaceutical research company Chemeq Ltd on Thursday stated that preliminary tests at Murdoch University showed that its Chemyde anti-microbial agent is active against infectious bacterium Helicobacter pylori (HP) in the stomachs of piglets.

The HP bacteria infects more than half the world's human population; and, while the infection is often without symptoms, the organism is responsible for chronic gastritis, 95% of all duodenal ulcers, and 70% of gastric ulcers.

Chemeq chairman and chief executive GH Melrose said that his company is collaborating with Western Australia's Curtin University to pinpoint the HP proteins which have particular immunological significance.

"These proteins may be considered for inclusion, in subsequent research, in a vaccine against the bacteria," he added.

He said current research targets four identified groups of proteins, and the findings have been lodged in a provisional patent application.

From 7/7/2000 https://www.icis.com/explore/resources/news/2000/07/07/116273/australia-chemeq-seeks-investors-in-ulcer-drug-r-d/

PERTH, Australia (CNI)--West Australian biotechnology group Chemeq seeks funding from global pharmaceutical companies to further its R&D for a promising stomach ulcer cure, a group spokesman told CNI Friday.

Initial tests with Murdoch University demonstrated that the group's patented Chemyde anti-microbial agent is effective. The tests, on piglets, showed the agent to be successful in fighting Helicobacter pylori, which causes stomach ulcers. This bacterium affects more than 50% of the world's population.

Chemeq chairman and chief executive Graham Melrose said the global treatment of ulcers is a "huge market" which, although mature and keenly contested, would have room for his group's treatment.

"Chemyde would have an edge in terms of its effectiveness and low toxicity," he said. "Many treatments have adverse side-effects and are not always wholly successful."

Melrose said funding from a global pharmaceutical player is vital if the tests are to proceed to the human trials stage. He declined to say if Chemeq already is negotiating with prospective investors.

Microbes cop a double whammy with new drug

By Melissa Trudinger
Monday, 18 February, 2002

Perth biotech Chemeq Ltd (ASX: CMQ) has developed a new kind of antimicrobial that may revolutionise agriculture and reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria.

The company is making big claims that its unique polymeric antimicrobial drug, CHEMEQ, acts on all types of microorganisms including bacteria, viruses and fungal pathogens, does not cause side-effects, and does not enter the bloodstream or flesh of the animal and is not passed on to humans in food.

"For the first time we have a biologically active antimicrobial without side-effects," said Chemeq CEO and chairman Dr Graham Melrose.

"This product has the double whammy ? efficacy and safety. Most products have either one or the other, not both."

And the drug has friends in high places ? the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was so impressed with Chemeq's field trial data that it has proposed fast-track approval for the antimicrobial drug, describing it as a "therapeutic breakthrough".

The largest market for CHEMEQ is as a treatment for piglets to prevent post-weaning colibacillosis (PWC), a disease of the upper intestinal tract associated with E. coli infection. PWC causes death and failure to thrive in piglets and the market for the control of intestinal E. coli infections in piglets is estimated to be more than $1.2 billion in industrialised countries alone. The use of human antibiotics in piglets to control PWC has been linked to the development of antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria, which are then transmitted to humans via food. The presence of residual antibiotics in food is also a problem. These issues have led to regulatory agencies restricting the use of human antibiotics for animal purposes.

In field trials, Chemeq demonstrated significantly lower intensity of diarrhoea in piglets treated with CHEMEQ than in piglets treated with vaccines, antibiotics or untreated. The company also examined the safety of the product by testing the effects of high doses, and the effects of the drug in the bloodstream of the animal.

Chemeq has identified a second important market in the $6bn poultry industry. Initial studies have demonstrated that chickens given CHEMEQ gained up to 20 per cent more weight than untreated chickens.

Chemeq has a second product in the pipeline. CHEMYDE is a preservative for use in the cosmetics, toiletries and pharmaceutical industries, a $500m worldwide market. The company plans to build a commercial scale manufacturing plant near Perth, to be operational by January 2003.

How CHEMEQ works

CHEMEQ has a unique mode of action. It is a large polymeric molecule that interacts with surface proteins on the microbe via an aldehyde group, thus causing disruption of the cell membrane. As it does not recognise specific proteins or sugars as traditional antibiotics do, changes to the surface proteins expressed by the microbe do not prevent the action of CHEMEQ and thus resistance does not evolve.

CHEMEQ is larger than traditional antimicrobials. Because it is too big to cross biological membranes such as the skin or the lining of the gastro-intestinal tract, it can't enter the bloodstream, so that toxic, allergic and inflammatory reactions are non-existent. The drug is activated in the intestinal tract by changes in pH, and is naturally excreted via the faeces, so it doesn't cause contamination of the carcass.

A highly potent killer of all types of germs

Billions are spent annually trying to stop the destructive effects of bacteria and viruses in hospitals, agriculture, food and paint preservation, air conditioning and industrial plants, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. The limitations of conventional chemical applications is that they can be toxic, only work for a short period or only kill some germs - leaving others to flourish.

Now, a chemical product called CHEMYDE released by Chemeq Pty Ltd offers a revolutionary solution to many of the problems associated with bacteria and viruses. It is non-irritating to eyes and skin, and if swallowed is non-toxic. Patents have been approved in 20 countries.

The product was developed by Dr Graham Melrose over a six year period and its unique properties make it a highly potent killer of all types of germs, including viruses. Its potency is further enhanced by the fact that it remains active for up to 9 months.

CHEMYDE, a polymer, ruptures outer membranes of micro organisms and kills them. Because it is such a large molecule, it is harmless to humans because it can not penetrate skin or pass through the intestine and into the blood stream.

There are three major applications for the product. As a preservative for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and toiletries. As a soft invisible coating which kills all types of germs and protects against re-infection on things like skin, hospital products made from non-woven fabrics, cotton, hospital carpets. And, in plastics or paints it protects against deterioration and prevents the growth of fungi.

CHEMYDE may lead to unique new products, with unique new selling points, such as health-care sprays, wipes, hand-rubs, creams, powders and lotions. Drugs are yet more options being considered for the use of the product.