Immuron announces research collaboration agreement with Monash University

Immuron (IMRN) announced a new research collaboration agreement with Monash University. The major objective of this research collaboration is to develop new therapeutic drug candidates which target antimicrobial resistant pathogens. This work will utilize the Immuron technology platform, and the extensive experience of the Biomedicine Discovery Institute research team lead by Professor Dena Lyras. 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. The first project proposal will focus on the underlying mechanisms which bacteria utilise to share and transfer their DNA. A process which can rapidly alter the functional capacity and characteristics of a bacterium, resulting in the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, or AMR, with the aim to develop broad spectrum therapeutic drug products. AMR poses a significant threat to healthcare systems worldwide. AMR can lead to more severe and harder-to-treat infections in healthcare settings, such as hospitals and nursing homes. The second project proposal will specifically target Vancomycin-resistant enterococci, or VRE, and as the name suggests VRE are bacteria that are resistant to the antibiotic vancomycin. VRE are opportunistic nosocomial pathogens that have emerged as a major healthcare problem worldwide.