Immuron and Monash University Join Forces to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance

Immuron Limited (ASX: IMC; NASDAQ: IMRN), an Australian biopharmaceutical company, has announced a new research collaboration agreement with Monash University. The primary objective of this collaboration is to develop new therapeutic drug candidates targeting antimicrobial resistant pathogens. This strategic partnership will leverage Immuron's technology platform and the extensive experience of Monash University's Biomedicine Discovery Institute research team, led by Professor Dena Lyras.

The research collaboration comprises two main project proposals. The first focuses on the underlying mechanisms that bacteria employ to share and transfer their DNA, which can rapidly alter the functional capacity and characteristics of a bacterium, leading to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). By targeting these mechanisms, Immuron and Monash University aim to develop broad-spectrum therapeutic drug products that can effectively combat a wide range of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

The second project proposal specifically targets Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), which are bacteria resistant to the antibiotic vancomycin. VRE are opportunistic nosocomial pathogens that have emerged as a major healthcare problem worldwide. The two most clinically significant enterococci, Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium, are associated with a range of nosocomial infections in elderly and immunosuppressed patients. VRE complicates outcomes for at-risk patients, increasing their risk of developing subsequent infections and/or transmitting VRE to other patients. VRE colonization has been associated with an increased risk of bacteremia, infections at other body sites, and can also lead to mortality in severe cases.

The global market for antibiotics is projected to reach $57.0 billion by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.0%. The rising prevalence of drug-resistant infections, including VRE, is expected to drive the demand for new and innovative treatments in this space. This collaboration between Immuron and Monash University directly addresses the global market demand for new antibiotics, particularly against VRE, and aims to develop innovative treatments to combat this growing healthcare challenge.



The research collaboration is effective and will continue whilst there are relevant research activities being performed under the research plan. No additional or new funding is required for the initial activities by Immuron for the strategic collaboration, as the funding of Immuron's research activities is allowed for in the Company's existing research budget. After the results from this research agreement are known, the parties will negotiate in good faith (and without obligation) whether to jointly develop or commercialize the outcomes of these research collaborations on commercially reasonable terms.

In conclusion, the collaboration between Immuron Limited and Monash University is a significant step towards addressing the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance. By targeting the underlying mechanisms of bacterial DNA sharing and transfer, and specifically focusing on Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), this research collaboration aims to develop innovative therapeutic drug candidates that can effectively combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria and meet the growing demand for new antibiotics in the global market.