BIF grants supports acne therapeutic

Sydney-based DermaTech Laboratories has scored a AUD$360,000 Biotechnology Innovation Fund grant from the Commonwealth government to research the development of a bacteria-neutral acne lotion.

The project is targeted towards the development of a topical lotion that treats moderate acne without contributing to the emergence of bacterial resistance -- a major problem with many current treatments, according to the company.

The problem with many treatments that use antibiotics is that the user develops resistant bacteria, negating the usefulness of the lotion. Used in conjunction with benzoyl peroxide, the problem of resistance disappears, but mixing the two together in a stable compound has hitherto proved very difficult, said managing director John Parsonage.

"We have put a lot of work into the submission, and didn't really know if the committee would take us seriously," he said. "It really was a pleasant surprise, and if we are successful in making the project work then there are several other things it could lead on to," he said.

The grant will cover up to half the cost of proving and initial testing of a concept treatment that, if successful, has enormous potential for both local and international markets, said Parsonage.

DermaTech also lucked in with a $70,000 grant from the NSW government's BioFirst fund to assist in the costs of market development of the treatment.

DermaTech director Russell McMurray said the new compound was slated to be ready for clinical trials within two years.