Biosignal to expand furanone applications

Biosignal (ASX:BOS) will test its anti-bacterial compounds for activity against several species of oral bacteria, in a study that could open up a previously unexplored market niche for the company in the oral health sector.

The R&D project is being funded by what Biosignal said was a major global consumer goods company, which is developing a completely new product field for oral health. If the initial studies are successful, furanones will be tested in the product for their effects on oral health.

CEO Michael Oredsson said the company already had some strong preliminary data demonstrating the activity of the furanone compounds against pathogenic oral bacteria and hoped to move into animal studies after the current study was completed in early 2005.

"If the furanone development work goes well, we will have the support of a high calibre international partner to bring this product to world markets," Oredsson said.

In addition to the new application being developed by the consumer goods company, Biosignal's furanones could also have application in existing oral health products including toothpastes and mouthwashes, as well as toothbrushes and other oral devices, Oredsson said.