A landmark collaboration between Oz Medicann Group and Macquarie University is advancing the development of next-generation natural therapies for persistent and systemic fungal infections.
Exclusive global licence.
World-class research.
A new approach to a growing global health challenge.
May 2026
Exclusive global licence agreement with Macquarie University
Global
Intellectual property licence for antifungal natural medicine development
4
Research pillars: compounds, formulation, clinical validation and regulatory pathways
Why fungal infections matter
Fungal infections are often underestimated, yet they represent a growing global healthcare burden.
Millions of people worldwide experience fungal infections each year, ranging from chronic skin and nail infections through to serious systemic infections affecting vulnerable and immunocompromised patients.
The challenge is increasing due to:
Rising antifungal resistance
Recurrent and persistent infections
Long treatment durations
Poor treatment adherence
Limited innovation in antifungal therapeutics
For many patients, existing treatment options may not provide the outcomes they need.
The growing need for new solutions
Current antifungal therapies have played an important role in treating fungal disease. However, significant challenges remain.
Resistance is increasing
Many fungal pathogens are developing resistance to conventional therapies, reducing treatment effectiveness.
Persistent infections remain common
Recurrent fungal infections can negatively impact quality of life and place an ongoing burden on healthcare systems.
Treatment can be prolonged
Patients often require extended treatment courses, increasing the risk of non-adherence and recurrence.
Systemic fungal disease can be serious
For immunocompromised individuals, systemic fungal infections can become complex, difficult to treat and potentially life-threatening.
These challenges highlight the need for innovative therapeutic approaches supported by robust scientific evidence.
The science behind the program
The licensed technology focuses on naturally derived compounds and formulations demonstrating antifungal activity against persistent fungal infections and broader systemic fungal conditions.
Research efforts will focus on:
Novel natural compounds
Exploring the therapeutic potential of naturally derived antifungal agents.
Advanced formulation science
Developing delivery systems designed to optimise efficacy and patient use.
Clinical validation
Generating evidence through future clinical studies.
Regulatory development
Supporting progression through appropriate regulatory pathways.
Research leadership
Meet the research team
The programme draws on expertise from Macquarie University and Oz Medicann Group.
Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Enterprise) · Macquarie University
Professor Dan Johnson
Macquarie University is committed to partnering with industry to translate promising scientific discoveries into meaningful healthcare solutions.
ARC Future Fellow · Macquarie University School of Natural Sciences
Professor Amy K. Cain
Persistent fungal infections continue to represent a major and evolving clinical challenge globally, particularly with increasing antimicrobial resistance and limitations in existing therapies.
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Why are fungal infections an important area of research?
Fungal infections are often underestimated, yet they represent a growing global healthcare burden. Millions of people worldwide experience fungal infections each year, ranging from chronic skin and nail conditions to serious systemic infections affecting vulnerable and immunocompromised patients.
Significant challenges remain, including rising antifungal resistance, recurrent and persistent infections, prolonged treatment courses, poor adherence and limited innovation in antifungal therapeutics. These factors highlight the need for new approaches supported by robust scientific evidence.
What is the Oz Medicann Group and Macquarie University collaboration?
In May 2026, Oz Medicann Group signed an exclusive global intellectual property licence agreement with Macquarie University focused on the development of innovative natural medicine therapies targeting persistent and systemic fungal infections.
The collaboration combines Macquarie University’s internationally recognised research capabilities with OMG’s expertise in clinical development and commercialisation, with the goal of translating promising scientific discoveries into clinically validated therapies.
What does the exclusive global licence cover?
The licence provides Oz Medicann Group with exclusive global rights to intellectual property related to naturally derived compounds and formulations demonstrating antifungal activity against persistent fungal infections and broader systemic fungal conditions.
This agreement establishes a foundation for future formulation development, clinical validation and regulatory progression through appropriate pathways.
What stage is the research programme at today?
The programme is at an early research and development stage. Current efforts focus on exploring the therapeutic potential of naturally derived antifungal agents, advancing formulation science and building the evidence base needed to support future clinical studies and regulatory development.
OMG Pharma will share appropriate updates as the programme progresses. This page describes a research collaboration — not an open clinical trial.
What are the main research focus areas?
Research efforts are organised around four pillars:
Novel natural compounds — exploring the therapeutic potential of naturally derived antifungal agents
Advanced formulation science — developing delivery systems designed to optimise efficacy and patient use
Clinical validation — generating evidence through future clinical studies
Regulatory development — supporting progression through appropriate regulatory pathways
Who is leading the research?
The programme draws on expertise from Macquarie University and Oz Medicann Group.
Professor Dan Johnson — Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Enterprise), Macquarie University — leads the university’s commitment to partnering with industry to translate scientific discoveries into healthcare solutions.
Professor Amy K. Cain — ARC Future Fellow, Macquarie University School of Natural Sciences — brings specialist expertise in persistent fungal infections, antimicrobial resistance and the limitations of existing therapies.
Is the programme recruiting participants?
No. The fungal infections programme is not currently recruiting clinical trial participants. It is focused on early-stage research, formulation development and building the scientific foundation for future studies.
For general enquiries about OMG Pharma research, use the contact form or email info@ozmedicann.com. OMG Pharma will share recruitment or programme updates when appropriate.
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