Chemeq broadens pipeline with sunscreen product

Perth-based biotech Chemeq has expanded its pipeline with the development of a sunscreen and an after-sun emollient based on its proprietary polymer chemistry platform.

In collaboration with Sydney's Technical Consultancy Services, Chemeq researchers developed and formulated new compounds with sunscreening activity. The new compounds, said Chemeq CEO Graham Melrose, are high molecular weight compounds that are inhibited from cross the skin barrier into the bloodstream.

Melrose said traditional sunscreens used organic compounds with a propensity to permeate the skin and enter the bloodstream, which was of concern, particularly with the marketplace demanding more sunscreening products.

He said Chemeq's products were unique because the high molecular weight polymeric compounds were unable to cross the skin and enter the bloodstream.

"We thought the solution to the problems caused if organics were used was in our technology," Melrose said. "Natural applications for our technology are where you have a barrier to inhibit toxicity, for example the skin or the gastrointestinal tract."

Melrose said patents had already been granted in Australia for the new compounds, and were pending in more than 20 countries worldwide. In addition, Chemeq has recently been granted a patent in Australia for a variety of technologies for formulating dermatological and pharmaceutical products based on its platform technology. "We are building up a portfolio of applications," he said.

However, while Melrose said that the compounds were ready to enter the manufacturing phase, the regulatory approval process as well as the priorities of getting the existing veterinary products on the market meant that the new sunscreen would not be commercialised immediately.

"Our highest priority is to get into production and sales of our veterinary products, but we're looking at the medium term to make sure we have something following up," he said. "If we're successful, we would reasonably expect to be moving into healthcare areas in a few years' time."

Melrose said that the company was considering licensing the dermatological applications, but had not as yet made any decisions.

Chemeq also announced several appointments, including Dr Mark Fisher as a senior research chemist, and Dr Leearne Hinch and James Geldart to head up the sales team as the company moves into the marketing phase for its lead veterinary antimicrobial.