BPO's biotech, not to be ignored in valuation calculations:
QCIDE®
'Qcide is being developed as a new, environmentally friendly treatment for household and agricultural pests. Qcide® is based on Tasmanone, a natural insecticide derived from the leaves of Eucalyptus cloeziana, common name Gympie Messmate, a forest tree species found in areas of Queensland.
The active molecule in oil from the leaves of Eucalyptus cloeziana is Tasmanone, a ß-triketone which exhibits a unique mode of action thought to be targeting the octopermine receptor in insects. This has been identified as the basis for a use patent and for commercialisation of the compound as an insecticide with applications in urban pest control, crop protection and animal health.
onfirming a 50:50 joint ownership of the rights to the Tasmanone IP.
In January 2010, BioProspect announced an IP Assignment Deed with Bio-Gene Technology Ltd (Bio-Gene) and University of Western Sydney which granted ownership of the Tasmanone IP to Bio-Gene, in exchange for fees and royalties split between BioProspect and UWS.
Bio-Gene has extensive experience in the growing, harvesting, extracting and commercialising of natural compounds from native Australian plants. BioProspect is committed to working with Bio-Gene in the successful development of Qcide® products, targeting both agricultural and household pest control markets.
For more information on Qcide® and Bio-Gene, refer to http://www.bio-gene.com.au/
AGRIPRO® is BioProspect's brand for its animal health and nutrition products, including GI-GUARD® products for gastro-intestinal care and AGRIPRO® products for other topical and general health care applications in animals.
The global market for over the counter animal health products exceeds $15 billion a year, with more than 40% spent in the companion animal segment, including horses.
AGRIPRO® products are based on naturally derived plant extracts including Conifer Green Needle Complex (CGNC). CGNC is a natural substance with low toxicity extracted from the green needles of Scotch Pine and Norwegian Spruce trees, with unique anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-oxidant properties.
CGNC has already been approved by Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration for use in listed oral and topical medicines, thereby significantly reducing the registration requirements for animal health care products with the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).
REGEN®
Re Gen Wellness Products Pty Ltd was acquired by BioProspect in August 2009. The business comprises a range of innovative health and wellness products, utilising the beneficial properties of natural compounds including plant extracts and emu oil.
It also incorporates highly effective topically applied products based on a unique blend of natural ingredients, providing the unique Transdermal Solvency® to enhance therapeutic pain relief and skin regenerative actions.
The emu oil used in REGEN® products is high in essential fatty acids; Omega 3, 6 & 9, which have significant health benefits including natural anti-inflammatory action; HDL (high density lipids) to help lower blood cholesterol, and proliferative activity for improved cell rejuvenation. Emu oil also acts to help soothe muscle and joint aches and pains.
In February 2011, BioProspect announced a distribution agreement with Doward International for REGEN® products, spanning Australia and New Zealand. The agreement will see REGEN® therapeutic products on the shelves of leading pharmacies across the two countries, giving a substantial boost to sales.
Product development has continued, with REGEN® Pain Relief Gel listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods. Similar to REGEN® Pain Relief Spray, the new product contains a unique blend of natural oils and specialised plant extracts for pain relief.
Overseas markets are also being targeted, with market development agreements being progressed in Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, China and Hong Kong as well as the Middle East, Europe and North America.
TERMILONE® is the registered Trade Mark for the natural Eremophilone Oil extracted from Australian native, Eremophila mitchellii (also known as False Sandalwood or Budda).
TERMILONE®'s discovery traces back to observations made of 100-year-old fence posts in rural Queensland which had successfully withstood termite attack in an active termite area. While farmers believed the wood from the native Australian Eremophila mitchellii (False Sandalwood) trees was termite-proof, researchers discovered that the tree's oil was the hidden ingredient.
Spending on termite control and building repairs due to termite damage exceeds more than US$4 billion a year internationally.
Studies demonstrated that TERMILONE® has low mammalian toxicity, making it safe for pest control workers, household pets and the environment.
In December 2009, BioProspect signed an international market development agreement with US company Ensystex Corporation. Under the agreement, Ensystex launched a two-year international testing program of TERMILONE® as a soil-applied termiticide under a variety of conditions.
In February 2010, BioProspect announced the successful registration of Eremophilone Oil as an active constituent with the Australian Pesticides & Veterinary Medicines Authority.
The Company also secured a patent in Australia for the use of Eremophilone Oil as an insecticide, with patents also pending in the leading termite control markets of the United States and Japan. '
(Termilone is proving costly to manufacture - BPO are looking at ways of reducing these costs to make initial sale prices more viable before economies of scale take effect)
BPO Price at posting:
0.5¢ Sentiment: ST Buy Disclosure: Held
