EZZ Life Science welcomes new chairman amid launch of helicobacter pylori treatments

Healthcare company EZZ Life Science Holdings (ASX: EZZ) has stepped up its focus on genomic health, announcing the launch of two new consumer health products to be sold in pharmacies across Australia.

The news comes as the recently-listed company welcomed esteemed life science professional Glenn Cross as the new chairman to its board.

EZZ recently unveiled its business strategy which aims to transform into a manufacturer with a focus on four key human health challenges: genetic longevity, the human papillomavirus (HPV), the digestive bacterial infection helicobacter pylori, and weight management.

The two new products, EZZ Biotic EnGastro Capsule and EZZ Biotic HHP Support Probiotic, are considered support treatments for both helicobacter pylori and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) through the promotion of healthy, functioning digestive and immune systems.

EZZ acting chief executive officer Mark said the new additions greatly complement the company’s broader health and wellbeing range which has been purposefully expanding in line with its business strategy.

“Consumers are seeking digestive support products that are fast acting and can be quickly and easily accessed over the counter,” he said.

“The launch of these new EZZ branded products reflects our ability to move quickly and opportunistically to develop products that meet consumer-led demand in high margin, health and wellbeing segments.”

New products

According to EZZ, the new products target the bacterial balance in the gut and provide effective microbiome digestive support where imbalances can activate the immune system. They can also reduce symptoms of medically diagnosed IBS including the treatment of diarrhoea.

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

The product assists the digestion of sugar, fats and proteins, relieves abdominal discomfort and bloating, and symptoms of IBS. It supports healthy gastrointestinal immune function and reduces diarrhoea and its symptoms.

The HPP Support Probiotic is an evidence-based multi-species probiotic consisting of eight beneficial strains of bacteria which are effective in relieving symptoms of diarrhoea and reducing the occurrence of symptoms of IBS.

The product relieves abdominal discomfort and helps restore beneficial gut flora, supporting intestinal and digestive system health, skin health and overall immune system health.

EZZ has launched two products in order to identify, target and eliminate helicobacter pylori during day and night.

New chairman

In early December, EZZ announced the appointment of Glenn Cross as chairman and a non-executive director of the company.

Mr Cross has 40 years of experience in the life sciences sector and has held senior executive roles in both Australian and multinational companies.

He was the chief operating officer and chief executive officer of Australian life sciences industry association AusBiotech for more than 13 years and currently serves as a non-executive director on the boards of multiple private and public companies and investment funds.

Mr Cross’ expertise covers general management, sales, marketing, finance, distribution and manufacturing in the life sciences market. He also has experience in human resources and product development.

In recent years, Mr Cross has been involved in capital markets and general investment activities in North America, Asia and Australia.

In a company statement announcing his appointment, Mr Cross said he has been impressed by EZZ’s strong growth and performance over the last 12 months and is excited to support the team in the next stage of its dynamic growth plans.

“With its collaborations with world-class research institutions and its commitment to strategic integration, EZZ is well placed to further expand its business and pursue growth opportunities in the genomics area,” he said.

Key research areas

EZZ is focused on using genomic research and development to address four key areas: genetic longevity, HPV, helicobacter pylori and weight management.

Genomics, the study of genes and other information within an individual’s genome, is a rapidly advancing field of life sciences and the market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19% to reach $74.6 billion by 2025.

A major priority of the company’s strategy is to invest heavily in research and development to differentiate the business and its products from others in the market. It already has relationships with universities including the Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand, where it is currently conducting research focused on longevity and HPV.

Genetic longevity

The longevity industry is focused on the production of therapies that target mechanisms of ageing.

According to a recent study, the global longevity market is estimated at $25 trillion this year and is growing steadily with forecasts it will reach $35 trillion by 2026.

HPV

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection that can lead to cervical cancer in females and many other forms of cancer.

Treatments are available for its symptoms or there are currently three vaccines available to protect against the virus, although there is presently no instant cure for an existing infection.

Research released by DelveInsight in September showed the total HPV-induced cancer incident cases in the US, the UK, Italy, Spain, France, Germany and Japan reached almost 100,000 in 2020 with an estimated market size of US$710 million.

Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori is a bacterial pathogen that can enter the body and live in the digestive tract. It mainly infects the stomach, attacking the lining and causing ulcers. If not treated, it can lead to stomach cancer.

According to EZZ, more than half of the world’s population is infected with helicobacter pylori. It is more prevalent in lower socioeconomic demographics of developing countries.

A recent research report on the global helicobacter pylori diagnostics market found the testing market for the infection is poised to grow by US$247.67 million from 2021 to 2025 at a CAGR of 7.76%.

The traditional treatment regime for the infection by a general practitioner includes antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for the treatment of acid reflux or heartburn for up to 14 days, whereas EZZ’s products can be used as both a preventative and treatment in the form of a twice daily capsule (the Biotic EnGastro Capsule) or one night-time capsule before bed (HPP Support Probiotic).

Weight management

According to an IMARC Group industry research report, the global weight management market reached a value of US$439 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 8% during 2021-2026.

In EZZ’s prospectus, the market size of the consumer health segment in Australia and New Zealand was estimated at $8.2 billion in 2019, representing a CAGR of 7.7% since 2015.

The segment is divided into five categories, with weight management and wellbeing making up 7.9%. The other categories comprised vitamins and dietary supplements, sports nutrition, herbal/traditional products, and paediatric consumer health.

In China, consumer health was valued at $57.3 billion in 2019, growing at a CAGR of 9.2% and with weight management accounting for 4.5% of the total segment.