Early success for Biosignal's anti-bacterial contact lenses

Biosignal (ASX:BOS) and the Institute for Eye Research Ltd (IER) have reported interim results from recent in vitro trials of contact lenses with permanently attached furanones.

The 24 hour trial showed 85 per cent efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and up to 100 per cent efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus.

"This outcome is extremely attractive to the competitive contact lens market, which has a preference for a permanently attached active. This method is more likely to provide longer life anti-bacterial efficacy with a shortened product registration process," said managing director and CEO Mr Michael Oredsson, in a statement.

IER and Biosignal are currently testing a range of furanones and attachment strategies in vitro and expect to enter their first small human trial in the first half of 2005.