OptiBiotix Health plc (AIM: OPTI), a life sciences business developing compounds to tackle obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes and skin care, has told DirectorsTalk about a new patent filing. The filing protects advances made in OptiBiotix’s skin division in identifying microbial proteins which have the potential to prevent Health Care Acquired Infections (“HCAI”) caused by antimicrobial resistant (“AMR”) superbugs such as MRSA. HCAIs lead to higher morbidity and mortality, and cost the NHS an estimated £1bn per year. This represents a global market opportunity of US$82bn.
The new patent filing reflects scientific advances in identifying microbial proteins which: –
i. Protect skin cells from being damaged by pathogenic bacteria reducing the likelihood of infection
ii. Prevents the growth of pathogens on the skin, reducing the risk of infection spread
iii. Displaces pathogens from colonised skin and prevents their reattachment. This reduces the risk of re-infection with resistant organisms
These proteins are likely to be delivered in creams or oils with the aim of reducing the risk of infection from AMR superbugs such as MRSA. The Company believes that this filing adds a further layer of protection to its growing intellectual property portfolio in skincare and opens up product opportunities in multi-billion dollar global markets including Skincare (US$121bn), HCAIs (US$82bn), Eczema (US$3.8bn), Psoriasis (US$7.4bn) and Wound care (US$18.3bn).
Stephen O’Hara, CEO of OptiBiotix, commented: “We are pleased to announce the filing of this patent which protects the recent advances we have made in identifying microbial proteins which have the potential to prevent HCAIs caused by AMR superbugs. These proteins prevent skin damage, stop pathogenic bacteria from growing, and most importantly prevent it from reattaching, reducing the risk of reinfection with AMR superbugs. The mechanism of action is different from current treatments which may kill bacteria but then allow reattachment with more resistant bacteria. We see this as an exciting advance on current therapies and hope that it will make a significant contribution to diminish the pain and suffering cause by AMR to vulnerable patients in hospitals across the world.”
