Peplin patents application

Published: 27-Sep-2001


Peplin Biotech, Australia, has applied for three international patents covering its plant-based compounds, which appear to allow the immune system to destroy some cancers. The Brisbane-based company uses its proprietary screening technology to search for promising plant-based compounds that could eventually provide the key to the development of a new type of anticancer drugs.

Its most promising work is in the treatment of skin cancer. Peplin ceo Garry Redlich said its prototype drug PEP 001 had showed almost a 90% success in treating advanced skin cancer in a pilot phase two clinical trial at Brisbane's Mater Hospital. The market for skin cancer treatment is potentially a $A2bn (US$1.5bn) market and Peplin believes it could have a drug on the market within two years.

Peplin is also doing work with inflammatory and immune disorders, and viral and bacterial diseases. Compound PEP 003 has shown early success in revealing hidden HIV viruses, which is the cause of HIV sufferer relapse and one of the biggest hurdles in developing an HIV cure. Redlich said Peplin needed international investors and research partners to help it develop the compounds into drugs.

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