Texas Biotech Firm Partners with US Navy to Test Breakthrough Diarrhea Treatment for Troops

A Texas-based biotech company, Maxwell Biosciences, has partnered with the US Navy to test a new solution that could help reduce one of the most common yet underestimated health threats to military personnel—diarrhea. The initiative aims to support the health and readiness of warfighters by using an advanced synthetic drug known as Claromers.

The drug will be tested in vitro, meaning it will be studied in a controlled laboratory environment. Claromers are made of synthetic molecules called oligomers that mimic how the human body naturally defends itself against fast-changing viruses and bacteria. These molecules are designed to target and neutralize harmful pathogens quickly, helping to both prevent and treat diarrhea.

Military personnel often face tough environments where food and water may be contaminated. A single case of diarrhea can leave a soldier unfit for duty for several days, disrupting not just individual performance but also the mission of the entire unit. What’s more, some soldiers develop long-term complications like irritable bowel syndrome or reactive arthritis even after the infection is gone.

According to Maxwell Biosciences, around 80% of diarrhea cases in the military currently require treatment with antibiotics or intravenous fluids. However, with growing antibiotic resistance, these traditional treatments are becoming less effective. That’s where Claromers might make a difference—offering an alternative that doesn’t rely on standard antibiotics.

During Operation Iraqi Freedom, 76 troops reportedly suffered from diarrheal episodes, highlighting just how widespread the problem can be. Today, diarrhea ranks higher than respiratory illnesses and physical injuries among non-combat medical issues affecting deployed troops.

Maxwell Biosciences CEO Scotch McClure emphasized the larger mission behind the drug testing. “This partnership isn’t just about stopping pathogens; it’s about keeping our forces mission-ready and preventing critical situations from going down the drain,” he said. “With Claromers, we’re determined to flush out antibiotic resistance and ensure troops aren’t bogged down by debilitating illnesses.”

If the testing proves successful, the treatment could provide the military with a powerful new tool to protect its personnel from a condition that continues to quietly weaken its ranks.