Immuron in second US gut health trial

A second new drug from biotechnology company Immuron is to undergo human trials in the United States following a decision by the Food and Drug Administration that allows trials to proceed.

The Melbourne company told investors the US Naval Medical Research Centre (NMRC) had received approval to trial the drug targeting Campylobacter and Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC).

This follows the FDA lifting a clinical hold on an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for the prevention of infectious diarrhoea.

Campylobacter and ETEC are leading causes of traveller’s diarrhoea.

Now the safety and product efficacy of the new drug will be tested utilising two controlled human infection model trials, with one at the Johns Hopkins University Centre for Immunization Research assessing its ability to protect volunteers against ETEC infections. The second trial will focus on moderate to severe campylobacteriosis.

A total of 60 volunteers will be enrolled into the randomised, placebo-controlled trials.

The trials will be subject to ethics approvals.

Immuron is involved in a second US trial for its drug against human gut infections, Travelan, which is made in Melbourne and on sale through Chemist Warehouse.

TYravelan is a non-absorbable, safe product which is composed of anti-bacterial antibodies that work on the gut immune system.

The US Naval Medical Research Centre envisages Travalen as a treatment for deployed US military personnel as well as overseas travellers.

Editor’s note: This story has been edited to make clear the distinction between Immuron’s new Campylobacter ETEC therapeutic and Immuron’s second gut disease drug, Travelan.

Picture: Immuron