Biosignal hires US tech-spruik experts

Hospitals don't like to divulge how many surgical patients have been chronically infected by pathogenic, multi-drug resistant bacteria that haunt their surgical wards, but the problem is "major", according to Michael Oredsson, CEO and MD of Sydney biotech company Biosignal (ASX:BOS).

If disinfectants can't prevent hospital-acquired infections, and antibiotics no longer clear them, the remedy may lie in Biosignal's patented conversation-stoppers: furanones.

Biosignal this week announced it is hiring a Boston-based PureTech Industries to spruik the virtues of its versatile bug-busting technology to Big Pharma and medical-implant manufacturers in the US.

The company's novel molecules disrupt quorum sensing, the exchange of biological signals by which individual bacterial cells aggregate to form colonies and complex communities. Individual bacterial cells are non-pathogenic; it's only when they signal to each other to form colonies that they begin to secrete toxins that make their hosts ill.

Mixed into special coatings, or incorporated directly into the polymer matrix of the special low-friction plastics used to lubricate artificial hips and knees joints, or into the polymer catheters, shunts and stents used to drain body fluids, Biosignal's furanones block the intercellular chatter, preventing bacteria sensing each others' presence.

Oredsson said that the company's decision to hire PureTech reflects the company's pragmatic approach to commercialising furanone technology in its many areas of potential applications.

PureTech's job is to make prospective development and marketing partners in the US aware of the potential of furanone technology -- Oredsson says PureTech already has long-established relationships with top-tier pharmaceutical, medical-device and biotech companies in the US.

"PureTech Development will focus on Biosignal's furanone applications that are available for strategic partnering. This will fast-track commercialisation of human health applications primarily in the US."

Biosignal was floated on the ASX early this year. Its core developments include long-wear, antibacterial contact lenses that will minimise eye infections, antibacterial coatings for catheters and other medical implants, including prosthetic joints, and marine anti-fouling paints for ships and yachts. The company also believes its technology is applicable to industrial water treatment, membrane cleaning, industrial coatings, household consumer products like cleaners, oral-care products and cosmetics, and food packing and preservative treatments.