Spin-Off for Insect Drug Discovery

A new company dedicated to producing a wide range of therapeutic drugs from insects has been established in Canberra, Australia, as a spin-off of the Commonweath Scientific and Industrial Organization (CSIRO). Called Entocosm Pty Ltd., the company will work with researchers from the Australian National University and Canberra Hospital to identify novel candidates from insects. Because of the urgent demand for new agents to treat drug-resistant pathogens, the team will initially focus on the discovery of new antibiotics.

"The plant and microbial worlds have long been targets for discovery of therapeutic drugs, but insects have been left virtually untouched,” said Dr. Geoff Garrett, chief executive of CSIRO. "With four million species to be looked at, there is great potential for discovery of hugely important therapeutic drugs in the future.”

With its diverse biota and advanced scientific infrastructure, Australia offers unique potential for discovery, says CSIRO. Insects utilize an unparalleled array of biologically active substances. These include molecules that kill cancer cells, proteins that prevent blood from clotting, enzymes that degrade pesticides, proteins that glow in the dark, and antimicrobial peptides and toxins.

"CSIRO Entomology has provided many solutions for crop protection, animal health, and environmental management, and it is exciting to see this new development in the human health area,” noted Dr, Garrett.




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