Private Brisbane biotech Xenome has expanded its protein chemistry portfolio by licensing peptide technology from Flinders University.

The IP relates to two peptides identified by Flinders researchers as candidates for blocking cell surface receptors involved in acute pancreatitis.

The receptors are activated by the peptide galanin, normally involved in the regulation of the release of neurotransmitters and hormones.

Xenome, which is in early stage trials of cone shell based venom peptides for acute and chronic pain, will pay Flinders milestone payments and royalties. It plans to modify the structure of the peptides to develop their capabities as drug candidates.