Highlights

  • Recce signs a second CRADA with the U.S. Army to study burn wound infections.
  • U.S. Army researchers will test RECCE® 327 Gel against MRSA and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
  • Study supports evaluation of hydrogel use in battlefield and clinical burn care settings.

Recce Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX:RCE) has entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the United States Army Institute of Surgical Research (USAISR). The agreement expands the company’s ongoing collaborations with U.S. government research institutions focused on infectious disease and trauma care.

USAISR is the U.S. Army’s primary research centre for combat casualty care and burn treatment. Under the agreement, USAISR will evaluate Recce’s topical formulation, RECCE® 327 Gel (R327G), using its validated Walker-Mason rat model designed to replicate battlefield burn injuries and associated infections.

Focus on Burn Wound Infections
The study will assess the ability of R327G to reduce bacterial burden in infected burn wounds. Testing will focus on Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, two bacterial pathogens frequently identified in burn wound infections and associated with high clinical risk.

Burn wound infections remain a significant challenge in both military and civilian healthcare due to increasing antimicrobial resistance and limited treatment options. The Walker-Mason model allows researchers to examine infection progression and treatment response in a controlled setting relevant to combat injuries.

Evaluation of Hydrogel Application
R327G is being developed as an amorphous hydrogel wound dressing intended for topical use. The study will explore its potential application in reducing bacterial bioburden while supporting practical deployment in military field environments.

Beyond battlefield use, the hydrogel format is also being evaluated for broader clinical and post-operative wound care applications, particularly where resistant bacterial infections are a concern.

Continuation of U.S. Government Collaboration
The CRADA with USAISR follows Recce’s earlier agreement with the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID). Together, the collaborations reflect continued engagement with U.S. government research agencies focused on developing new approaches to infectious disease treatment.

Antibiotic resistance remains a growing concern across military, veteran, and civilian populations. U.S. government agencies have prioritised partnerships with public and private organisations to advance new antibacterial compounds with broad-spectrum activity and reduced resistance risk.

Market Reaction
RCE shares traded AUD 0.62 on 2 February, up 9.82%.