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Innovation. Collaboration.
Chemeq Technologies Pty Ltd is an innovative company that has developed and patented a unique anti-microbial polymer providing the human health, personal care, specialized industrial markets, and animal health markets with a safe, effective and resistance-free alternative to antibiotics and conventional biocides.
Chemeq Technologies grew out of Chemeq Ltd, a research driven company with 17 years experience developing polyalkanals - a revolutionary new class of anti-microbial with unique safety and efficacy profiles. The technology is protected by seven major international patents with more pending.
Anti-microbials are used in a wide range of products, including animal feeds, cosmetics, toiletries and fragrances as well as the better-known human health applications for treating infections and disinfection. However, many existing products face problems because of their limited effectiveness against certain types of microorganisms, safety issues and the development of antimicrobial resistance.
Chemeq Technologies flagship product is the soluble, non-toxic PPPA active ingredient. Due to its unique chemistry, PPPA is a highly effective antimicrobial that is effective against a broad spectrum of micro-organisms, including bacteria, fungi, bacterial spores and viruses. PPPA has potential application as a preservative, as a therapeutic or as an anti-microbial for disinfection and sterilization uses. It is active at relatively low concentrations, broadly compatible with other ingredients and excipients, non-toxic, stable and will remain active over a wide pH range in formulation.
Today, the extensively patented PPPA is a class-leading new technology designed to deal directly with the growing international animal and human healthcare problem presented by antibiotic resistance bacteria or "superbugs".
History
History
As a group, alkanals, which include the preservatives formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde, have long been known to be anti-microbial, but their volatility and highly toxic nature has traditionally limited commercial applications.
Chemeq's research and development process discovered that by creating long-chain polymeric alkanals, the compounds' less-desirable effects were eliminated. Thanks to the large molecular size which limits absorption and tissue residues, long-chain polymeric alkanals are non-volatile, relatively safe to handle and non-toxic. They also act differently to antibiotics and other biocides, resulting in rapid microbial death with no evidence of microbial resistance.
Keen to rapidly exploit the technology, Chemeq's discovery created great interest in the marketplace, and attracted significant investment from within Australia and overseas through an IPO and stock market listing in 1999, as well as through private and venture capital investment. A manufacturing plant (with GMP license) was built in Rockingham, WA, and the company went into production, to supply demand for the animal health product that had been registered in South Africa and subsequently New Zealand and the anticipated demand from product applications made in Australia, South America, Asia, the US and EU.
In February 2008, with the support of the Receivers and original Bondholders of the company a new licensing business was created. The new business - Chemeq Technologies Pty Ltd - is run by key management, whose fresh approach to licensing has redefined the company's strategic focus. Today Chemeq Technologies is looking to foster new long-term commercial partnerships based on each party bringing its individual strengths and experience to create a beneficial commercial outcome for all across a number of distinct applications.
About Us
Chemeq Technologies Pty Ltd (CTPL) is the vehicle to license proven proprietary technology and valuable intellectual property (IP) in the form of wholly-owned patents for the process and the technology used to create its flagship product, PPPA.
PPPA is an innovative product from a new class of polymeric anti-microbials, which replaces antibiotics for the control of disease-causing bacteria in certain commercial animal production applications and has a broad range of other potential human and industrial applications.
Chemeq Technologies has a strong management team with expertise in licensing and development, a fresh approach and new strategic objectives. Chemeq Technologies is poised to partner with proven industry leaders under license to bring this revolutionary product to the wider market.
Chemeq Technologies' new management team consists of:
- Brian Mangano - Vice President Corporate who has more than 21 years business experience, including eight years in international technology licensing;
- Bill McHenry - Vice President Commercial with 22 years business experience, including six years in drug licensing and five years in R&D; and
- Dr. Rob Dunlop - Vice President Technology Development who has 31 years experience in the chemistry and biotechnology business, with broad experience in R&D, commercialization and management.
- Martin Jones - Director who has over 25 years of in restructuring, turnaround and strategic planning. He has extensive experience in both strategically and operationally directing a wide range of businesses in a diversity of industries.
Working Together
Learning from the past, Chemeq Technologies' new executive management team has undertaken a fundamental shift in strategic direction.
The company is seeking to work collaboratively with experienced, like-minded partners to share the opportunities presented by PPPA and to take its broad commercial applications to the global marketplace. It is looking to partner with - companies with a track record of commercialization success, with a strong R&D focus, and for which this product will provide a good strategic fit.
This relationship is expected to be formalized through licensing agreements. While the scope and nature of the licenses will vary depending on the use and jurisdiction, licenses will be largely centered around:
- Marketing and commercializing licenses, for more developed product opportunities (including cosmetics and animal health);
- Manufacturing licenses, to secure product supply; and
- Development licenses, to prospect for wider commercial uses of the technology.
Contact us for more information about working with Chemeq Technologies.
The Technology
Technology
PPPA comes from a new class of compounds called polyalkanals with broad spectrum activity against bacteria (gram negative and gram positive), fungi, bacterial spores, protozoa and viruses.
polyalkanals have a different mode of action to antibiotics and other biocides and are effective against both susceptible and resistant organisms. The product is totally synthetic with a mode of action that appears to slow or even negate the development of resistance.
PPPA has a low oral, dermal and inhalation acute toxicity, has been shown to be non-irritant to skin, is a moderate eye irritant and has low skin sensitization potential.
Due to its properties it has wide application for therapeutic, preservative and disinfectant purposes. Broad market areas where PPPA has potential applications are:
- Animal Health, primarily GI disease and topical treatment;
- Human Health, especially GI disease treatment, topical treatment and hospital disinfection and sterilization;
- Personal Care, most notably as a cosmetic preservative; and
- Industrial, particularly as a preservative and biocide in key industry markets such as paints, plastics, fuel, oil production inks and textiles
Safety
The technology has been proven to be environmentally safe.
Independent testing of PPPA has shown the product to be relatively non-toxic and with low potential for skin irritation, eye irritation, skin sensitization and skin absorption.
Early toxicology and environmental studies have shown very promising results on the safety of PPPA, but a number of studies still need to be completed before full regulatory approval can be granted worldwide for widespread use in animal, human and industrial markets.
Green Sustainable Technology
The manufacture of PPPA is based on glycerine as the starting material, followed by polymerization, activation, recovery and drying.
Using glycerine, a plentiful by-product of the bio-fuel industry, as the starter material ensures a cheap and ready source of feedstock. This green engineering solution to sourcing starter materials is a more environmentally friendly approach, resulting in a more 'natural' product.
Efficacy
Research has shown that PPPA's in-vitro anti-microbial activity is broad spectrum and effective against a wide range of bacteria, fungi and viruses. Importantly, it is effective against antibiotic-resistant organisms (including MRSA and VRE).
Repeated challenge testing has shown no development of bacterial resistance to the technology.
Specifically in the animal health market the technology has been shown to control colibacillosis in pigs; in-vitro testing has also demonstrated its effectiveness against coccidia. Further testing is required on the efficacy in chickens.
PPPA's proven spectrum of activity against bacteria and other microbes
- Aspergillus niger
- P. aeruginosa
- S. aureus
- C. perfringens
- Salmonella infantis
- S. typhimurium
- S. mbandaba
- Listeria monocytogenes
- Proteus vulgaris
- S. epidermis
- C. sphenoides
- Legionella pneumophila
- Helicobacter pylori
- Giardia duodenalis
- Cryptosporidium parvum
- Plasmodium falciparum
- Candida albicans
- Malassezia pachydermatis
- Mycobacterium smegmatis
- Bacillus cereus
- Bacillus subtilis
- Herpes simplex II
- Echovirus II
- Influenza A
- Enterococcus faecium (Vancomycin resistant - Van A and Van B)
- E. coli
- E. coli 0157 (resistant to Spectinomycin, Ampicillin, Lincomycin, Bacitracin, Apramycin, Tetracycline and Gentamycin)
Intellectual Property
Chemeq's patent portfolio is made up of seven overlapping 'use', 'composition of matter' and 'manufacture of matter' patents, which cover the composition of the chemical and its manufacturing process.
The patent portfolio is particularly valuable because the inventions it covers are not limited to specific end-uses.
| Patent Family | Description | Animal Health | Human Health | Personal | Industrial | Manufacturing | Expiry |
| 1 | Biocidal and Biostatic compositions |  |
|
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|
|
2011* |
| 2 | Chemotherapeutic compositions: treatment of GI Disease | |
|
|
|
2016 | |
| 3 | Compositions and methods of formulating and storing stable antmicrobial compounds | |
|
2019 | |||
| 4 | Anti-microbial polymeric compositions | |
|
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2020 | ||
| 5 | Polymeric formulation: emulsions for topical application | |
2021 | ||||
| 6 | Polymeric composition: method of GI Disease treatment | |
|
2022 | |||
| 7 | Method of manufacture of polypropenal | |
|
|
|
|
2023 |
* in US and Canada
Potential Commercial Applications
Potential Commercial Applications
Chemeq Technologies' patented polymeric antimicrobial technology targets the control of microbes in a range of markets. The inherent nature of the product is a totally synthetic biocide that, depending on dosage and time-to-kill conditions, can act as a preservative, sterilant, disinfectant, antiseptic or biocide. It has wide, utility and is uniquely attractive for commercialization opportunities.
The company's globally granted and overlapping patents permit controlled access to the broad antimicrobial market, where the ongoing demand for new, safer or more effective anti-microbials is strong, and creates ongoing opportunities for the product's utilization.
Chemeq Technologies has identified a significant number of market segments across the human, industrial and agricultural sectors for commercialization opportunities.
Broadly speaking, opportunities exist in creating GI and topical treatments in both human and animal applications.
In the personal care industry, the technology can be used as a preservative, in cosmetics for example, or as a disinfectant for surface treatment.
It has a wide range of industrial applications, including being used as a preservative or biocide in paint, adhesives or drilling muds, a disinfectant of hospital surfaces and for sterilizing hospital equipment.
Industrial
The market for anti-microbials is significant, with the specialty anti-microbial market for industrial biocides1 expected to reach US$4 billion by 2010 with a growth rate of 4.1% per annum. Chemeq Technologies has identified significant opportunities in the following key areas:
- Fuel Preservation
- Electronics
- Wood Treatment
- Cabin Air Treatment
- Disinfectant
- Oil Recovery
- Plastics
- Inks
- Paper
- Textiles
- Water Towers
- Pools
- Adhesives
- Mud Drilling
- Paints
- Lubricants
Sources:
- Industrial Antimicrobial Agents - Applications and Markets in Various Regions 2000-2005-2010 (Frost and Sullivan)
Human Health
The pharmaceutical market for anti-microbials is valued at US$33.25 billion for human health applications1 and US$1 billion in the personal care market2. Some key opportunities include:
Medical Applications
- Equipment Sterilization
- Stomach Ulcers
- Disinfectant
- Acne Treatment
- Gloves
- HIV Treatment
- Dressings
- Wound creams
- Hand wash
- Catheters
Personal Care Applications
- Cosmetic preservative
- Antidandruff
- Antibacterial Wipes
- Toothpaste
- Athlete's Foot
Sources:
- Industrial Antimicrobial Agents - Applications and Markets in Various Regions 2000-2005-2010 (Frost and Sullivan)
- The Global Antibacterial market - 2007 (Arrowhead)
Agricultural
Currently, the antibiotic feed market1 for animal health is valued at US$1.995 billion, a figure that is expected to rise with changing international agricultural practices and the increase in prevalence of antibiotic-resistant superbugs.
Animal Health
- Aquatic
- Mastitis
- Companion Animals
- GI Treatment in Pigs and Poultry
Crop Protection
- Seed treatment
- Fruit Treatment
Sources:
- International Federation of Animal Health - www.ifahsec.org
Partners
Arkema France
In July 2009 Arkema France and Chemeq Technologies announced a partnership agreement to produce the PPPA technology including Cereese antimicrobial.
Arkema is a global chemical company and France’s leading chemicals producer. Arkema consists of three businesses: Vinyl Products, Industrial Chemicals, and Performance Products. Arkema reports annual sales of 5.6 billion euros, has 15,000 employees in over 40 countries and six research centres located in France, the United States and Japan. With internationally recognized brands, Arkema holds leadership positions in its principal markets.
By working together Arkema and Chemeq Technologies now have a commercially viable, green, sustainable manufacturing process for the unique Cereese antimicrobial.
Arkema has a goal of deriving 10% of its income from sustainable products by 2012.
Visit Arkema France's website by clicking here.
Arkema France
In July 2009 Arkema France and Chemeq Technologies announced a partnership agreement to produce the PPPA technology including Cereese antimicrobial.
Arkema is a global chemical company and France’s leading chemicals producer. Arkema consists of three businesses: Vinyl Products, Industrial Chemicals, and Performance Products. Arkema reports annual sales of 5.6 billion euros, has 15,000 employees in over 40 countries and six research centres located in France, the United States and Japan. With internationally recognized brands, Arkema holds leadership positions in its principal markets
By working together Arkema and Chemeq Technologies now have a commercially viable, green, sustainable manufacturing process for the unique Cereese antimicrobial.
Arkema has a goal of deriving 10% of its income from sustainable products by 2012.
Visit Arkema France's website by clicking here.
Products
Cereese
Chemeq Technologies’ flagship product is a new antimicrobial compound called Cereese, which, due to its safety-plus broad-spectrum action, physico-chemical characteristics and profitability, has the potential to transform the Personal Care market.
The company holds a pre-eminent position in the intellectual property rights to this novel polymeric antimicrobial and manages this through a range of overlapping patents as well as critical related know-how and trade secrets.
The unique Cereese compound can be utilized both as a preservative in a broad range of Personal Care products and also as an Active Ingredient in certain Personal Care products. Cereese is considered by many to be an ideal preservative for the cosmetic and personal care industries.
Cereese antimicrobial powder has the following attributes:
- Soluble in a range of solvents
- Polymeric by nature
- Difficult to absorb through membranes
- A broad spectrum antimicrobial
- Not subject to the development of microbial resistance
Over recent years bacteria have developed a growing resistance to existing antibiotics and biocides, but research shows that the PPPA polymeric technology negates the development of resistance.
For the cosmetics industry, Cereese is a breakthrough antimicrobial that is non-toxic and generally safer than most currently available preservatives and actives. It has broad spectrum activity against bacteria, fungi, bacterial spores and viruses. Recent independent laboratory and clinical studies have also shown Cereese to be effective against acne and dandruff causing organisms. Cereese’s polymeric nature and the size of the molecules inhibit absorption through the skin making Cereese ideal for the cosmetics market.
Safety |
Cereese does not release or generate formaldehyde and is non-sensitizing and non-allergenic at in-use rates. It is isothiazolone free and paraben free. Its toxicity has been studied extensively and it has been found to have low acute dermal and oral toxicity, low skin irritancy and sensitization. |
Safetyplus+performance |
Spectrum of activity
Cereese is active against a wide range of bacteria, yeast and molds. Both Gram-positive and difficult to control Gram-negative bacteria, are particularly sensitive as are key fungi like Malassezia, Candida and Aspergillus. The compound controls yeast and fungi and has virucidal and sporicidal activity. Kill KineticsActivity is concentration dependant. Microbiological evidence shows the product could be developed for deodorant applications or disinfectant use. |
Safetyplus+flexibility |
Compatibility
The product is compatible with most other cosmetic ingredients and is stable and non-volatile giving it a broad range of uses. |
Safetyplus+sustainability |
Cereese is derived from glycerine, a plentiful natural product, and a biofuel bi-product, ensuring a cheap and ready source of feedstock. This green engineering solution to sourcing starter materials is an environmentally friendly approach, resulting in a ‘naturally derived’ product. |
Safetyplus+protection |
Intellectual Property Portfolio
Chemeq Technologies holds seven current granted patent families and have filed one new patent. Globally Chemeq takes a leading position in this type of polymeric antimicrobial technology. The IP is protected to 2024 with current patents (not including the potential for extensions). A newly filed would take the portfolio protection out to 2028. |
Safetyplus+profit |
Production cost estimates show Cereese is not only cost-competitive with existing preservatives, it is also cost competitive against leading active ingredients. |
Contact Us
Contact Us
Chemeq Technologies Pty Ltd is located at:
Perth
Suite 10, 281 Hay St
Subiaco WA 6008 Australia
Sydney
Suite 145, National Innovation Centre
Australian Technology Park
Eveleigh, NSW 1430 Australia
contact@chemeqtechnologies.com
