Bio-Gene Technology’s novel acaricide Flavocide demonstrated over 90% mortality against Lyme disease-carrying ticks in lab tests presented by Purdue University, highlighting its potential in public health applications.
- Flavocide kills over 90% of Ixodes scapularis ticks within 24 hours
- Residual efficacy lasts up to four weeks in laboratory conditions
- Research presented at the 17th International Conference on Lyme Borreliosis
- Study funded by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Potential applications in public health, companion animal, and livestock markets
Promising Laboratory Results for Tick Control
Bio-Gene Technology Limited (ASX – BGT) has unveiled encouraging laboratory efficacy data for its novel acaricide, Flavocide, targeting Ixodes scapularis ticks, the primary vector of Lyme disease in the United States. The findings were presented by researchers from Purdue University at the 17th International Conference on Lyme Borreliosis and Other Tick-Borne Diseases held in Chicago.
The Purdue team demonstrated that Flavocide, formulated as a prototype oil-in-water emulsion, achieved greater than 90% mortality of tick nymphs within 24 hours of exposure under controlled laboratory conditions. Notably, the product maintained residual activity for up to four weeks, suggesting sustained protection potential.
Innovative Testing with the Phenocosm System
The research employed the Phenocosm tick assay system, a novel laboratory setup designed to mimic natural tick habitats such as leaf litter, mulch, and turfgrass. This approach allowed for a realistic assessment of Flavocide’s acaricidal properties, including contact toxicity, repellency, and residual effects. The results confirmed Flavocide’s strong acaricidal activity compared to controls, positioning it as a promising candidate for further field trials.
Addressing a Growing Public Health Challenge
Tick-borne diseases, particularly Lyme disease, are an escalating public health concern in the US and globally. Current control methods face challenges including insecticide resistance and environmental safety concerns. Flavocide’s novel mode of action and natural product origins offer a potentially safer and effective alternative. The research was supported by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and coordinated by the Midwest Center of Excellence for Vector Borne Disease, underscoring the public health significance of this development.
Professor Catherine Hill of Purdue University highlighted the importance of these findings, noting that Flavocide could become a valuable tool in integrated tick management strategies. Bio-Gene’s Executive Director of R&D, Peter May, emphasized the broad market potential spanning public health, companion animals, and livestock, driven by the rising incidence of tick-borne diseases.
Next Steps and Market Implications
While the laboratory results are compelling, the next phase involves field validation to confirm Flavocide’s efficacy in real-world environments. These trials will be critical to assess practical application methods and long-term effectiveness. Success in these stages could pave the way for regulatory approvals and commercialisation, potentially disrupting the acaricide market with a novel, nature-derived product.
Overall, Bio-Gene’s Flavocide represents a significant step forward in the fight against tick-borne diseases, combining scientific innovation with urgent public health needs.
Bottom Line?
Flavocide’s lab success sets the stage for pivotal field trials that could reshape tick control strategies.
Questions in the middle?
- How will Flavocide perform in diverse field conditions beyond the lab?
- What is the timeline for regulatory approval and commercial launch?
- Can Flavocide overcome existing acaricide resistance in tick populations?