BioDiem testing BDM-I in schistosomiasis

BioDiem (ASX:BDM) and the QIMR are moving to proof-of-concept testing of BioDiem’s antimicrobial in the parasitic worms that cause the major tropical disease schistosomiasis.

BioDiem (ASX:BDM) is advancing to proof-of-concept stage testing of its antimicrobial BDM-I in schistosomiasis, following successful early in vitro research.

BioDiem will collaborate with the Queensland Institute for Medical Research (QIMR) to examine the effects of BDM-I against multiple strains of the parasite that causes the tropical disease.

This stage of testing follows the completion of a preliminary in vitro study, led by QIMR’s Professor Don McManus, which found that the antimicrobial can kill a Philippines-based strain of the parasitic worm.

Schistosomiasis is considered to be second only to malaria as the most important and devastating parasitic disease in the developing world. It is contracted from ingesting unsanitary water via exposure to the larval form of parasitic worms found in freshwater snails.

“Schistosomiasis is a major cause of liver, bladder and kidney disease and death across the developing world and it is recognised as a Neglected Tropical Disease,” BioDiem CEO Julie Phillips said.

She added that while the company’s research is still in an early stage, it could lead to a new way to both treat the people currently living with the disease and to potentially prevent the disease from progressing to the schistosomiasis stage.

“It is our hope BDM-I could underpin a new treatment option for world health agencies as they grapple in the many countries where sanitary water for drinking and bathing cannot be taken for granted.”

BioDiem announced the expanded research on Friday, a week to the day after the company revealed it has commenced research into using BDM-I in the treatment of tuberculosis and serious fungal infections.

The company is conducting the research with the support of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), a division of the National Institutes for Health.

BioDiem (ASX:BDM) shares have been trading at 4c since the beginning of February.