Innovative leader in the genomic-tech space EZZ will focus resources on common bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), recently listed as a human carcinogen in a leading US report.

EZZ Life Science Holdings (ASX:EZZ) will focus more on combating Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a bacteria that grows in the digestive tract, can cause stomach ulcers, increase the risk of stomach cancer and lead to a rare type of stomach lymphoma.

The company’s push to provide products addressing H. pylori comes as the US National Toxicology Program (NTP) listed chronic infection with the bacteria as known to be a carcinogenic in its 15th Report on Carcinogens.

The report on carcinogens identified many different environmental factors, collectively called substances, including chemicals, infectious agents such as viruses, physical agents, such as X-rays and ultraviolet radiation along with exposure scenarios.

It is a cumulative report mandated by Congress and prepared by the NTP for the Secretary of the US Department of Health and Human Services.

A substance is listed as either known to be a human carcinogen or reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen, to indicate the potential hazard.

H.pylori is also classed as a Group 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer.

NTP director Rick Woychik said cancer affects almost everyone’s life either directly or indirectly.

“As the identification of carcinogens is a key step in cancer prevention, publication of the report represents an important government activity towards improving public health,”  Woychik said.

 

Massive market potential

H. pylori affects more than half of the adult population worldwide, with infection often occurring in childhood. It was first identified in 1982 by Australian doctors Barry Marshall and Robin Warren.

More than 80% of peptic ulcer diseases are caused by H. pylori infection. Gastric cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide and H. pylori infection is responsible for 74.7% of all non-cardia gastric cancer cases.

Gastric cancer and peptic ulcer together cause more than a million deaths per year globally and H. pylori infection is always an important health issue.

The global Helicobacter Pylori diagnostics market size is projected to reach US$976.2 million by 2027, from US$596.2 million in 2020, representing a CAGR of 7.3%.

As the diagnostics market grows, the associated treatments market is also expected to soar.

 

New products target H. pylori

In December EZZ released two new consumer health products to its range, which aim to combat H. Pylori and will be sold in pharmacies around Australia.

EZZ Biotic EnGastro Capsule and EZZ Biotic HHP Support Probiotic also help promote a healthy digestive system and immune system function, treat diarrhoea and reduce symptoms of medically diagnosed Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

The new EZZ branded Biotic product targets the bacterial balance in the gut and provides effective microbiome digestive support where imbalances can activate the immune system.

EZZ Biotic Engastro Capsule is a proprietary blend of Saccharomyces boulardii, Glutamine, with fungal and plant-derived enzymes in optimally high dosages to support immune and digestive function, as well as nutrient absorption.

 

EZZ focusing on four key areas of human health

Established in 2018, EZZ listed on the ASX on March 3, 2021 after an oversubscribed public offering.

The company has been transitioning into a fully integrated life sciences company, with a mission to improve quality of life and human health.

The company focuses on genomic research and product development to address four key areas, including H. pylori.

The others are genetic longevity, human papillomavirus (HPV) and weight management. EZZ has undertaken university partnerships to advance research into these key areas.

It has also earmarked establishing a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certified manufacturing facility in Australia or New Zealand to improve production efficiency.

EZZ chairman Glenn Cross, former head of AusBiotech, said the company would continue to focus on gut microbiome, which plays an important part of overall health.

“EZZ have recognised that H.pylori is a major contributor to gut disease and we are focusing on improving the gut microbiome,” Cross said.

“We have released two products at this stage but there will be further developments around this disease state during 2022.”

EZZ is a rare biotech on the ASX, turning a profit and has even rewarded its investors with a maiden dividend.

This article was developed in collaboration with EZZ, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.

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