Antibiotic Alternative Edges Closer to Commercialisation as UN Declares Drug Resistance 'The Greatest and Most Urgent global risk'
Brisbane, Oct 4, 2016 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Following the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), Brisbane company, Anatara Lifesciences (
ASX:ANR) confirmed its commitment to fighting AMR, starting with the food chain.
Anatara, which is developing therapeutics for gastrointestinal diseases in production animals and humans announced today it had submitted an application to register Detach(TM), its non-antibiotic alternative for the control of diarrhoea in piglets, with the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).
Detach(TM) is a natural, plant-based product that will help address global concerns around the overuse of antibiotics in production animals. Overused antibiotics contribute to the rise of "super bugs" and make infectious diseases harder to treat. Using an extract found in pineapple stems, Detach(TM) provides an alternative to the use of antibiotics in production animals (initially pigs) and with it reduces, the global problem of bacterial resistance. Approval, when granted paves the way for the launch of Detach(TM) in Australia and assists with entry into key Asian markets. In scientific field trials conducted by the company, Anatara's Detach(TM) product was proven to reduce incidence of diarrhoea in piglets by over 41% and reduce severity by over 44%.
Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest health issues of our time
Last month, the 193 countries of the United Nations agreed a landmark declaration to rid the world of drug-resistant infections or "superbugs"[1]. Six years in the making, the international commitment could prevent 700,000 deaths a year, say experts.
It is the fourth time a UN declaration has been reached on a health issue - following HIV in 2001, non-communicable diseases in 2011 and Ebola in 2013.
According to the UN, experts say treatment-resistant infections pose one of the biggest known threats to humanity today. It is well known, the problem has been caused by over-use of antimicrobial medicines for humans, animals and agriculture. Dr Margaret Chan, Director-General of WHO[2] said, "Antimicrobial resistance poses a fundamental threat to human health, development and security. The commitments made must now be translated into swift, effective, lifesaving actions across the human, animal, and environmental health sectors. We are running out of time."
Australian solution to a global problem
According to Mel Bridges, the company's Chairman, "the importance of the Anatara's submission is underscored by the United Nations' assertion that antimicrobial resistance is 'the greatest and most urgent global risk'. It is clear we need viable alternatives to antibiotics to address the growing issue of drug resistance," he said.
Once the registration application has been approved by the APVMA, a marketing authorisation or registration will be issued, and then Detach(TM) can be made commercially available to farmers for the control of diarrhoea in their piglets. In addition to the livestock product, Anatara is pursuing antibiotic alternatives for humans.
[1] http://www.abnnewswire.net/lnk/0731ATU4
[2] http://www.abnnewswire.net/lnk/4O05IWS6
About Anatara Lifesciences Limited
Anatara Lifesciences Limited (ASX:ANR) is developing and commercialising innovative, evidence-based products for gastrointestinal health where there is significant unmet need. Anatara is a life sciences company with expertise in developing productsfor human and animal health. Anatara is focused on building a pipeline of human gastrointestinal health products. Underlying this product development program is our commitment to delivering real outcomes for patients and strong value for our shareholders.
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