Blis tackles tooth decay

Listed biotechnology stock Blis Technologies has gained a US patent for an "oral probiotic" which could prevent tooth decay.

"MIA" was very closely related to Blis' existing K12 range of probiotic products which are aimed at preventing upper airway infections and bad breath, the company said.

"This represents a major milestone in our research and development programme, and sends a clear signal that Blis is not a single product company," Blis ceo Dr Barry Richardson said.

Blis is in early discussions with some international companies around the commercial opportunities for MIA but declined to give specific details.

The company recently announced it had entered into a 'letter of intent' with Dutch food ingredient giant DSM Nutritionals (formerly Roche Vitamins) to find new opportunities for its probiotics.

Shares in Blis were flat at 9.3c in early afternoon trading.

- NZPA