Singapore: Infectious disease therapies developer, BioDiem has expanded its local partnership network by signing an agreement with Griffith University to expand the range of formulations of its broad-spectrum antimicrobial BDM-I compound, which may significantly increase BDM-I's commercial attractiveness by enhancing its solubility.

The work is headed by Professor Mark von Itzsein, Director and leader of Griffith's Glycomics Institute. Professor Itzsein contributed significantly to the development of anti-influenza drug, Relenza. Professor Itzsein and his team will be working to increase BDM-I's solubility in order to enhance BDM-I's administration routes such as enabling delivery via injections, creams, sprays, eyedrops, inhalation, etc.

BioDiem has an impressive local and international partnering network with a revenue generating division ($1.4m last year) from the world's two largest markets - India and China - through the Serum Institute of India (the world's 5th largest vaccine manufacturer by volume ) and BCHT Changchun Biotechnology in China. The company also ties together leading edge Australian academic institutions such as the Australian National University, University of Canberra and RMIT University for the development of vaccines targeting dengue fever, hepatitis and other non-influenza vaccines.