BioDiem moves to animal trials in pneumocystosis

BioDiem (ASX:BDM) has commenced preclinical animal trials for antimicrobial candidate BDM-I in pneumocystosis or pneumocystis pneumonia.

The company will conduct the studies under the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases’ (NIAID) preclinical services program.

BioDiem and NIAID had previously collaborated to screen BDM-I against nearly 70 strains of opportunistic or hospital-acquired fungal infections. During the screening, BDM-I showed particular promise against Pneumocystis spp.

The organism is a difficult-to-treat parasitic fungus which can cause pneumonia in infants, the aged and patients with a weakened immune system. 

Pneumosystis pneumonia (Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia or PCP) is a particular problem in HIV patients, with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimating it occurs in 9% of hospitalised HIV/AIDS patients.

An NIAID contractor will conduct studies in a mouse model of pneumocystosis to assess the overall effectiveness and optimal dose level of BDM-I.

“The move to studies in an animal model of pneumocystis infection is another important step in BDM-I’s development pathway towards use in difficult-to-treat infections,” BioDiem CEO Julie Phillips said.

BioDiem is also currently testing BDM-I in schistosomiasis as well as tuberculosis.

The company’s lead technology is LAIV (Live Attenuated Influenza Virus), which is used for seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccines.

BioDiem shares were trading unchanged at $0.032 as of around 2 pm on Monday.