Island Pharmaceuticals (ASX:ILA) has entered a strategic research collaboration with the Burnet Institute to expand the development potential of its antiviral drug portfolio and target a broader range of global viral threats.
The initiative focuses on exploring additional applications for the company’s lead molecules, ISLA-101 and Galidesivir, while strengthening their relevance to public health preparedness and national biodefence strategies.
The Melbourne-based antiviral drug developer announced that the program will investigate the potential effectiveness of the two compounds against several high-value viral targets, including measles, chikungunya and Ross River virus. Each of these diseases currently lacks specific antiviral treatments despite its ongoing global impact. Measles remains one of the most contagious human viruses, chikungunya causes millions of infections annually across more than 100 countries, and the Ross River virus continues to affect thousands of Australians each year.
The collaboration will involve laboratory and translational research designed to assess antiviral activity against these pathogens. The work will draw heavily on existing clinical and preclinical datasets related to the two compounds, allowing the program to expand potential indications without the need for new molecule acquisition or significant additional capital investment.
The research will be led by Dr Johanna Fraser, head of the Arbovirology Working Group at the Burnet Institute. Fraser is a molecular virologist with extensive experience in mosquito-borne viruses and emerging infectious diseases, and she is also the co-lead inventor of ISLA-101. Her previous work on the compound has contributed to understanding its antiviral activity, mechanism of action and potential applications across flaviviruses.
Fraser recently secured a competitive three-year grant from the Australian Government’s National Health and Medical Research Council, valued at more than $780,000, to support further research related to ISLA-101. The funding will enable additional translational and clinical work that complements Island Pharmaceuticals’ broader Phase two and Phase three development strategy for the molecule.
According to Fraser, the collaboration provides an opportunity to build on the growing scientific evidence supporting antiviral approaches to dengue and related diseases. She noted that ISLA-101 is one of only two compounds that have demonstrated efficacy in Phase 2 clinical trials targeting dengue, highlighting progress in the field and the potential of repurposed antivirals. The expanded research program will generate new laboratory data across multiple pathogens, providing a foundation for future development pathways and possible stockpile applications within preparedness frameworks.
Island Pharmaceuticals chief executive officer and managing director Dr David Foster said the partnership with Burnet represents an important step in unlocking further value from the company’s existing antiviral assets. By combining historical data with targeted new research, the company aims to broaden the strategic and commercial opportunities for both ISLA-101 and Galidesivir while maintaining capital efficiency.
Foster also highlighted the growing demand for broad-spectrum antiviral treatments as governments focus more heavily on preparedness and public health security. He said the collaboration supports the company’s objective of building a portfolio of antivirals with clear regulatory pathways, strong strategic relevance and significant partnership potential.