Blis moves on dental patent

By Phil Boeyen, ShareChat Business News Editor

Friday 1st March 2002

Blis Technologies (NZSE: BLT) has taken the development of an anti-tooth decay product one step further by applying for a provisional patent.

The patent covers a naturally occurring beneficial strain of the oral bacteria, Streptococcus salivarius, which the company says produces an antibacterial peptide that helps protect people from tooth decay.

The bacterial strain that helps prevent tooth decay is the second to be developed commercially by the Dunedin-based company.

The first was Blis K12 Throat Guard, which supports the throat's natural defences against undesirable bacteria. It is due to go to market before the start of winter.

Blis chief, Kelvin Moffatt, says the anti-tooth decay product is significantly different to other bacterial-based products which been genetically modified because it is based on a naturally occurring strain of bacteria.

"There is potentially a very large international market for a product based on naturally occurring beneficial bacteria that attack and limit the growth of the harmful bacteria, Streptococcus mutans. Streptococcus mutans are a principal cause of tooth decay."

Mr Moffat says the application for a provisional patent on prevention of tooth decay protects the company's intellectual property position while final trial work is undertaken.

"We now have one year to complete further trial and development work for the final international application."

The company owns the rights to a range of bacteriocin-like inhibitory substances and is currently looking at developing other products to help combat ear infections, bovine mastitis and skin infections.

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