MDI and CSIRO sign deal for next-gen production of ‘green whistle’

Australian healthcare company Medical Developments International (MDI) and CSIRO have signed a technology deal to develop a new production process for the drug methoxyflurane - the pain-relieving ingredient used in Penthrox (commonly known as the green whistle). If successful, the project will help MDI significantly reduce the cost of producing Penthrox and facilitate large-scale production to support the company’s plan to sell Penthrox in the UK and Europe.

The ‘green whistle’ in use.

CSIRO is investing $750,000 under its Australian Growth Partnerships (AGP) program into the project, which will strengthen MDI’s position as the only global manufacturer of methoxyflurane. If MDI receives regulatory approval to sell the drug in the UK and Europe, there will be an increased production of the drug using CSIRO’s manufacturing process.

Penthrox is used in Australia as an analgesic by emergency medical practitioners, the defence forces, ambulance and surf lifesaving services. Recently its applications have expanded into dentistry, general practitioners, cosmetics and other medical specialities such as endoscopy. The product has significant advantages over other analgesics such as nitrous oxide and morphine in that it is fast acting, self administered, non addictive, non narcotic, safe to use and provides strong pain relief.

John Sharman, CEO of MDI, said, “The green whistle is already an iconic Australian product which we believe will offer an effective alternative to established products used in hospitals and emergency services in the UK, Europe and other parts of the world. Through our partnership with CSIRO, we hope to scale up the production of methoxyflurane by developing a smarter, more efficient manufacturing process, and in so doing, assist MDI to deliver on its promising future.”

Paul Savage, CSIRO biotechnology program leader, said, “Our AGP program is an excellent example of how innovative SMEs can access CSIRO's world-class research and development capability. This partnership demonstrates how forward-thinking Australian companies can benefit from R&D to grow locally and to expand into global markets.”

Penthrox is made in Melbourne and sold in 11 countries around the world, with regulatory applications pending approval in another 15 countries.