Bio-Gene Secures A$3M DoD Grants for Flavocide and Qcide Projects
Bio-Gene Technology reports promising progress on its US Department of Defense-funded insecticide projects, with early mosquito mortality evidence from its Flavocide wearable device and pending launch of its Qcide indoor spray program.
- Flavocide wearable device shows early mosquito mortality in trials
- Qcide indoor residual spray project set to begin after US government shutdown
- US Department of Defense grants total A$3 million over three years
- Projects align with Deployed Warfighter Protection program goals
- Collaborations include GearJump Technologies, USDA, and military research bodies
Progress on Flavocide Wearable Device
Bio-Gene Technology Limited, an Australian innovator in natural insecticides, has provided an encouraging update on its two US Department of Defense (DoD) grant-funded projects. The Flavocide wearable device, designed to protect against flying insect vectors such as mosquitoes, is advancing steadily through device engineering and formulation development. Early small-cage entomology trials have demonstrated mosquito mortality, suggesting the emanator concept is performing as intended in initial tests.
Qcide Indoor Residual Spray Project Awaiting Kickoff
The second project, Qcide, aims to develop an indoor residual spray targeting bed bugs, crawling pests, and houseflies. Its initiation has been delayed due to the recent US government shutdown and pending contract finalisations with US partners. Once underway, laboratory studies will commence early in 2026, starting with prototype testing against houseflies.
Strategic Importance and Collaborations
Both projects are funded under the DoD’s Deployed Warfighter Protection program, which seeks novel solutions to protect military personnel and civilians from insect-borne diseases. Bio-Gene’s partnerships with GearJump Technologies, the USDA’s Center for Medical, Agricultural and Veterinary Entomology, and military research institutions like the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research underscore the collaborative effort behind these innovations.
Broader Implications for Public Health and Defense
With insect-borne diseases on the rise globally, Bio-Gene’s natural product-derived insecticides offer a promising alternative to conventional chemical controls, potentially reducing health and environmental risks. The wearable device’s early success hints at a new frontier in personal protection technology, while the indoor spray could address persistent pest challenges in both military and civilian settings.
Looking Ahead
As Bio-Gene progresses through these development phases, the next 12 months will be critical for validating efficacy and moving towards commercialisation. The company’s ability to navigate regulatory and operational hurdles, especially around the Qcide project’s delayed start, will be closely watched by investors and industry observers alike.
Bottom Line?
Bio-Gene’s DoD-backed projects are setting the stage for innovative insect protection solutions with potential global impact.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the Qcide project timeline adjust following the US government shutdown?
- What are the next steps for scaling Flavocide wearable device trials beyond small-cage studies?
- Could these technologies gain civilian market traction beyond military applications?
