Singapore: Australian infectious disease therapy and vaccine development company, BioDiem, has received allowance of Japanese patent for its novel antimicrobial compound, BDM-I.

The patent covers use of BDM-I for treatment of malaria and trichomoniasis. These are both infections caused by microbes known as protozoa. These claims for BDM-I have already been granted in Europe and the US. The rise in resistant infections has energized investment in novel antimicrobials.

BioDiem's BDM-I development program is being conducted through collaborations with partners both locally and with US research institutes.

"BDM-I is active against a range of pathogenic micro-organisms including bacteria, fungi and protozoa. This latest protozoal patent coupled with our previous vulvovaginitis patent in key markets means we now have a comprehensive intellectual property set for the treatment of common female genital health complaints.

These caused by both sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, trichomoniasis and gonorrhea, and also general infections such as thrush. We will seek opportunities to collaborate and to explore development of BDM-I for use in these diseases," said Ms Julie Phillips, CEO, BioDiem.