Vulvovaginitis is commonly caused by infection from a range of different micro-organisms. It is one of the most common female health complaints across all demographics. Significantly, the new patent for BDM-I secures a claim around the compound's activity against the organisms Candida albicans, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Trichomonas vaginalis (among others). This group represents some of the most common causative agents for vulvovaginitis, providing more evidence for the breadth of BDM-I's potential applications. C.albicans is one of the most common causes of yeast infections and is commonly referred to as thrush, N.gonorrhoeae causes gonorrhoea, and T.vaginalis is the most common sexually transmitted protozoan infection in industrialised countries. Trichomoniasis has been correlated with reproductive issues and increased susceptibility to a range of other health issues including infection with HIV.

In accordance with BioDiem's development program designed to accelerate opportunities to outlicense BDM-I, a number of new nonclinical studies have been completed to better characterise the compound, which has been manufactured to GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) standards. Preparatory physicochemical studies have provided formulations that can be used for in vitro and also in vivo assessment in disease models.

In addition the company has completed a first study in collaboration with the Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) towards investigation of BDM-I in a proof-of-concept model against schistosomiasis, which is a parasitic disease that causes impairment of growth and cognitive development in patients. Currently 200 million people are infected with schistosomiasis, with 600 million people at risk of infection.

It is one of the largest neglected diseases of the developing world. The study's results were encouraging and further studies will be
pursued. 

Patents for BDM-I have been granted in the US, China, Russia, Singapore, South Africa and Australia whereas National Phase prosecution continues in other major markets. BioDiem has also filed additional divisional patents in Europe and the US for BDM-I.

"BioDiem continues to develop data supporting BDM-I's broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity with the aim of substantially increasing
the value of the compound in future licensing agreements", said Julie Phillips.