Background

The world is suffering from ever-increasing threats of microbial resistance. The University of Exeter has developed a novel anti‑fungal active ingredient, C₁₈‑SMe₂⁺, as an effort to control the most economically significant issues caused by pathogenic fungi.

Technology Overview

This technology is an active ingredient (AI) with excellent anti‑fungal activity.

C₁₈SMe₂⁺ is a lipophilic cation that acts to selectively kill fungi by accumulating in mitochondria and depolarising the membrane.

This research into the mode of action shows the AI acts by inhibiting fungal ATP synthesis and producing reactive oxygen species, selectively sending the fungal cell into apoptosis (programmed cell death).

Further Details

Peer-reviewed publication with agritech focus ‑ Steinberg et al., 2020, Nature Comms.

Benefits

Superior anti‑fungal effect (IC₅₀) to other marketed AIs
Known and multiple modes of action ‑ reduces threat of resistance
Non‑toxic to mammalian cells and aquaculture model organisms ‑ selective to pathogen and environmentally friendly
Not genotoxic
Excellent efficacy against major fungal pathogens e.g. unpublished data validating human health application against Candida albicans and Candida glabrata

Applications

Medical application in consumer healthcare in anti‑fungal topical creams and sprays
Industrial application in paint or wood treatments and preservatives
Clear proof of concept in agritech sector ‑ see Steinberg et al., 2020, Nature Comms.

Opportunity

The University of Exeter is seeking a commercial partner to further co‑develop or in‑licence the technology and translate the positive proof of concept findings into trials and subsequent commercialisation.

Anti-fungal Active Ingredient

Patents

IP Status

Seeking