BLIS finishes one research programme; starts another

For Immediate Release

25 March 2011

BLIS Technologies finishes one research programme; starts another

Dunedin (New Zealand) based biotechnology company, BLIS Technologies Ltd (NZX: BLT) and Nestlé Nutrition, globally managed business of Nestlé SA, have agreed to conclude their original multi-year research and development programme focusing on BLIS K12 probiotics for use in infant nutrition products, which commenced in March 2007. Nestlé Nutrition indicated that the clinical validation of the product concept, which it had originally proposed for the BLIS K12 probiotic, had proven to be difficult to establish under the conditions studied and so the commercial decision was made to end this infant nutrition research programme. Since this study commenced a more robust BLIS K12 probiotic has become commercially available.

A new multi-year R&D agreement, which effectively replaces the infant nutrition research programme has now commenced and includes a Nestle option for rights over a specific application of the BLIS K12 probiotic. The exact nature of the current research and option agreement between BLIS Technologies Ltd and Nestlé Nutrition is commercially sensitive and confidential

Scientific evidence suggests that the novel BLIS K12 probiotic – a naturally occurring and beneficial bacteria of the mouth and throat has “built-in” defences against well-known disease causing bacteria and will potentially prevent future infections of the upper airways. Normal probiotic bacteria lack these advanced cellular defences and attempt to simply out-compete other bacteria for space and nutrients; but the ‘Advanced Probiotic Organisms’ of BLIS K12 have an additional advantage of packing an anti-bacterial ‘punch’. According to the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, it is estimated that 1 billion colds are suffered in the US every year, with adults averaging about 2 to 4 colds a year and women suffering more colds than men. It is also estimated that these symptoms can last from 1 to 2 weeks, which greatly affects annual productivity. The US market opportunity, for a novel probiotic that has the potential reduce the impact and severity of upper airways infection and improve productivity, appears very promising.

About BLIS Technologies
BLIS Technologies was formed in June 2000 for the commercialisation of probiotics, which produce natural antibacterial peptides or proteins that are able to kill or control the growth of other closely related bacteria. The first probiotic that BLIS Technologies developed was an oral micro-organism called S. salivarius, “BLIS K12” which produces an antibacterial protein named Salivaricin B. This specific probiotic helps to provide protection against infection from Streptococcus pyogenes, which is the most common cause of bacterial sore throats (strep throat), and also the cause of rarer but more serious illnesses such as scarlet fever and rheumatic fever.

ENDS

Source: BLIS Technologies Ltd (NZX:BLT)

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