Antiviral pipeline expansion through strategic collaboration

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Stock Island Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ILA.ASX)
Release Time 9 Mar 2026, 9:47 a.m.
Price Sensitive Yes
 Island Pharma expands antiviral pipeline through Burnet Institute collaboration
Key Points
  • Collaboration with Burnet Institute to develop ISLA-101 and Galidesivir against measles, chikungunya and Ross River virus
  • Aligned with national stockpile, biodefence and public health priorities
  • Leverages existing datasets to expand asset value without new capital
Full Summary

Island Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: ILA) has commenced a strategic research collaboration with Burnet Institute, one of Australia's leading infectious disease research organisations, to advance development opportunities across Island's existing antiviral suite. The program will evaluate the potential application of Island's lead molecules, ISLA-101 and Galidesivir, against additional high-value viral targets and global health threats including measles, chikungunya and Ross River viruses. These indications have been selected following an extensive review of historical data associated with both assets, as well as in line with relevance to strategic national stockpile and government biodefence preparedness programs. As part of the collaboration, Burnet will assess in vitro and translational studies of the antiviral activity of ISLA-101 and Galidesivir against selected viral pathogens. The initial collaboration is expected to generate valuable data required to inform development pathways aligned with government preparedness and strategic stockpile frameworks and considerably strengthen Island's broader intellectual property portfolio. The work will be undertaken by Dr Johanna Fraser, Head of Burnet Institute's Arbovirology Working Group, who is the co-lead inventor of ISLA-101 and has extensive expertise in mosquito-borne viruses and emerging infectious diseases. Dr Fraser has recently secured a competitive three-year grant from the Australian Government's National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), valued at more than $780,000, to support further clinical research associated with ISLA-101.

Outlook

The collaboration with Burnet Institute represents a strategically important step in unlocking additional value from Island's existing antiviral portfolio. By leveraging historical datasets and pairing them with new targeted research, the company is expanding the commercial and strategic optionality of ISLA-101 and Galidesivir without the need for new asset acquisition. The work aligns directly with government biodefence and preparedness priorities, as well as ongoing public health initiatives, where there is growing demand for broad-spectrum antivirals.