Gelteq Signs Product Development Agreement With Melbourne Health To Create Novel Compound Aimed At Reducing Bowel Polyp Growth

Gelteq Limited, a clinical and science-driven company specializing in gel-based oral delivery solutions, has announced that it has entered into a Product Development and Profit Share Agreement with Melbourne Health, the operator of The Royal Melbourne Hospital and one of Australia’s leading public health services with extensive research expertise. Under this agreement, Gelteq and Melbourne Health will collaborate to develop new products that incorporate high-amylose maize starch butyrylated (HAMSB), a unique compound with the potential to reduce bowel polyp growth, thereby lowering the risk of bowel cancer.

HAMSB, a form of acylated starch, has been extensively studied by Melbourne Health in partnership with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). Recent research has shown that HAMSB can significantly reduce the initiation of bowel polyps, indicating its potential as a novel approach in colorectal health management. The findings of this Australian study were presented at Digestive Disease Week 2024 and are now available online.

Through this collaboration, Gelteq will utilize its proprietary gel-based oral delivery platform to develop a ready-to-consume HAMSB product aimed at improving patient compliance and enhancing the effectiveness of preventive health strategies. The gel-based format will allow for convenient daily use while ensuring consistent dosage and absorption.

“This collaboration with Melbourne Health marks an important milestone in transforming cutting-edge research into a product with real-world impact,” said Nathan Givoni, CEO of Gelteq. “By combining Melbourne Health’s scientific and clinical expertise with Gelteq’s innovative gel delivery technology, we aim to create an effective and user-friendly solution that could help reduce the risk of bowel cancer and improve overall colorectal health.”

Bowel cancer remains one of the most common and preventable cancers globally. Many cases originate from polyps, making early prevention and management vital. In Australia, bowel cancer is the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer, affecting up to one in twenty people by the age of 85, according to the Cancer Council. Similarly, in the United States, the Colorectal Cancer Alliance identifies colorectal cancer as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. These statistics highlight the urgent need for new, accessible preventive solutions such as the one being developed by Gelteq and Melbourne Health.

Under the terms of the agreement, Gelteq and Melbourne Health have established a profit-sharing model, ensuring that Melbourne Health will receive a share of the net profits from future commercialization of the HAMSB-based products. This structure recognizes Melbourne Health’s valuable research contributions and promotes ongoing collaboration between clinical research institutions and industry innovators.

The product development program will be conducted at Gelteq’s research facility in Clayton, Victoria, where the company will oversee all manufacturing, marketing, and commercialization activities. Through this partnership, Gelteq and Melbourne Health aim to bring an evidence-based, convenient, and effective bowel health solution to the market, contributing to better preventive healthcare outcomes in Australia and beyond.