Meditech considers large-scale m'facture after discoveries

Researchers, funded by Meditech, at Curtin University of Technology in Perth have identified carbohydrate compounds that specifically bind to proteins involved in asthma, atopic dermatitis and other inflammatory responses.

The compounds, known as glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), are based on naturally occurring carbohydrates. The Curtin research team, led by Dr Deirdre Coombe, have screened and identified a number of potential lead compounds, which bind to target proteins involved in the inflammatory response.

According to Meditech director of operations, Assoc Prof Tracey Brown, the company is now evaluating possibilities for the large-scale manufacture of the lead compounds.

The company plans to continue pre-clinical development of the compounds as potential therapeutics for atopic dermatitis and asthma, including further in vitro studies, toxicology and formulation studies. Due to the specificity of action, the efficacy of the compounds can't be studied in animal models.

Brown said that if all went well with pre-clinical testing of the drug leads, the first product, potentially a topical treatment for atopic dermatitis, could be in the clinic within 18 months.