Agtech development company Bio-Gene Technology Limited (ASX: BGT) has signed an option agreement with Clarke Mosquito Control following the successful completion of Phase 2 mosquito control trials.
The option agreement grants Clarke a 90 day exclusivity period to negotiate commercial terms for the next development steps towards commercialisation.
In April 2020, Bio-Gene announced a partnership with Clarke to develop potential formulations for use in mosquito control. Trials were undertaken to assess the interaction of various components of potential formulations and identify lead prototypes that can now undergo further evaluation.
The most recent study assessed the performance of those prototypes on three important species of mosquito: Aedes aegypti, Culex quinquefasciatus and Anopheles quadrimaculatus.
Bio-Gene CEO, Richard Jagger, said the results generated by Clarke gives both companies confidence to continue the programme to identify the products most likely to be commercially viable candidates and take them to the field.
The next stage of the program is expected to start before the end of the calendar year,” Mr Jagger said.
“The results also confirmed both companies’ intent to further progress the commercial development of the technology within the public health mosquito market in the United States.
“We have now signed an agreement that allows for the continuation of testing of Bio-Gene products to confirm lead targets for the registration process.
“This includes Bio-Gene granting Clarke 90 days exclusivity to negotiate a commercial agreement for the continued development and commercialisation of Bio-Gene technology and accommodating the additional work to be completed in field locations across the United States.”
The field work will focus on (a) determining the effective rate of the current formulation in field operations against susceptible colony populations and (b) a comparison of effective dose in one or more pyrethroid resistant colony populations.
Me Jagger said it is expected that these studies will provide sufficient information to allow the terms of a commercial agreement to be determined.
The focus on naturally derived products continues to be a priority for much of the agricultural and public health industries, and the identification of a new Mode of Action is a key value proposition for Bio-Gene’s commercial partners and their customers.
Kevin Magro, Executive Vice President, Strategic Partnerships and Alliances for Clarke, said developing new public health mosquito products is essential for effective long-term mosquito control for today and into the future.
“We are encouraged by the results we have seen to date when testing Bio-Gene’s molecules. Public Health Mosquito control programs worldwide need products with new modes of action to maintain effective efficacy levels.”
The estimated annual insecticide value of the Public Health mosquito market in the United States is approximately US$100 million. The U.S. market is currently facing pressures of resistance to incumbent insecticides, and public concerns over the use of various chemistry in controlling mosquito populations.
The introduction of products with a novel Mode of Action, such as Flavocide and Qcide, is critical for vector management to address populations of pests resistant to currently used chemistry and reduce the potential of increased insecticide resistance in the future.
Products of natural origin are seen by the general public as favourable alternatives to many existing products which is a key consideration for mosquito abatement districts, municipalities, counties and states in assessing products for effective mosquito control.