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Highlights
- PhotosoftTM compounds have shown effectiveness against a range of pathogens.
- Five of seven PhotosoftTM compounds displayed antimicrobial activity against MRSA bacteria or ‘superbug’.
- The WHO calls antibiotic resistance one of the top 10 threats to humanity.
- Superbug shows resistance against several antibiotics and is difficult to treat.
- PhotosoftTM compounds have displayed broad-spectrum activity against multiple infectious diseases, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
Invion Limited (ASX:IVX) has reported the first in vitro test results on PhotosoftTM against various pathogens. The test results have indicated that PhotosoftTM technology holds the potential to kill a wide range of superbugs.
The company conducted the test in partnership with the Australian Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Ecology (ACARE), University of Adelaide.
The development would also be an added advantage against polymicrobial infections such as biofilms and skin wound infections, highlighted Prof Darren J. Trott, Director of ACARE.
PhotosoftTM compounds showed activity against multiple strains of antibiotic-resistant MRSA bacteria, Escherichia coli bacteria and Candida albicans fungus.
Following are the key findings of the test:
Bacteria - Seven PhotosoftTM compounds were tested against two strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria, out of which five displayed antimicrobial activity. MRSA is a “superbug” as the bacteria shows resistance against several antibiotics and is difficult to treat.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared antimicrobial resistance as one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity. The WHO cites the misuse and overuse of antibiotics as the main factors for the development of drug-resistant pathogens.
Prof Darren J. Trott, Director of ACARE said, “Given the general mode of action of PDT compounds, we surmise that it is unlikely for superbugs to develop resistance to the compounds which could be an advantage over other antimicrobial agents that have specific targets/sites of action. This will be the subject of further investigation in resistance development experiments.”
Fungus - The same five compounds showing effectiveness against MRSA bacteria were also found to be very active against two strains of Candida albicans on exposure to a specific wavelength (660nm) of light.
Candida albicans is a type of yeast causing fungal infections. Normally, it lives on our skin and in our bodies without causing harm, but it can cause vaginal candidiasis and infections in the bloodstream and internal organs due to uncontrolled growth and deep penetration in the body.
Globally, the yeast infection treatment market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.1% to hit US$6.23 billion by 2029, says Invion. Candida accounts for the largest pathogen segment in this market.
E.coli bacteria - The PhotosoftTM compounds tested displayed the potential to be used against Escherichia coli. E. coli bacteria. E. coli is generally harmless and can be found in the intestines of healthy people. However, some pathogenic strains can cause severe diarrhoea. They might also cause a wound, urinary tract infections and blood poisoning.
Image source: Company update
Although more work is needed before drawing strong conclusions on the interactions between PhotosoftTM and these pathogens, ACARE believes the results look promising.
Image source: Company update
© 2022 Kalkine Media®
Recently, Invion announced the activity of PhotosoftTM compounds against infectious diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, and fungi. This includes Zika virus, SARS-CoV-2 (omicron and delta variants) and Dengue virus. The company believes that these developments open major and exciting potential for its technology’s clinical applications beyond cancer, and more tests are planned for the future.
The share price of Invion stood at AU$0.011 midday on 28 October 2022.