Image source: © 2025 Krish Capital Pty. Ltd.

Highlights

  • Purdue University presented Flavocide® efficacy results for tick control at global Lyme disease conference.
  • Laboratory studies confirmed over 90% mortality of Ixodes scapularis nymphs in tests.
  • Residual activity in prototype formulation observed for up to four weeks in lab.

Bio-Gene Technology Limited (ASX:BGT) is an Australian company developing novel bio-insecticides to address the global challenges of insecticide resistance. Its unique products are based on a naturally occurring class of compounds proven to overcome resistance to control pests with minimal impact on human health and the environment.

As of 23 September 2025, BGT shares were trading 38.71% higher at AUD 0.043 per share.

Conference Presentation

Bio-Gene Technology announced that researchers from Purdue University, Indiana, USA, presented new data on Flavocide® at the 17th International Conference on Lyme Borreliosis and Other Tick-Borne Diseases in Chicago, USA.

The conference, arranged by the Mayo Clinic, Michigan State University, and University of North Dakota, brings together global investigators to share scientific discoveries relevant to infections transmitted by Ixodes ticks.

Study Findings

The Purdue University presentation, titled “Assessment of New, Natural Product Formulation to Control Ticks in the Midwest, United States,” described laboratory studies showing that Flavocide, formulated in a prototype emulsion in water, achieved greater than 90% mortality of Ixodes scapularis nymphs within 24 hours of exposure. Residual activity was observed for up to four weeks under controlled laboratory conditions.

The research used a test arena called the ‘Phenocosm’ tick assay system, designed to simulate natural tick habitats such as mulch, leaf litter, and turfgrass. The studies confirmed Flavocide’s potential utility in addressing tick-borne diseases of concern in the United States and globally.

Research Program

These results were generated under a vector control program funded by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and co-ordinated by the Midwest Center of Excellence for Vector Borne Disease. Under this program, researchers plan to undertake additional field validation of Flavocide’s effect on Ixodes scapularis nymphs and techniques to observe their behaviour in the presence of Flavocide.

Management and Researcher Comments

Peter May, Bio-Gene Technology’s Executive Director R&D, said:
“We are delighted that Purdue has presented these data at a leading international conference. Flavocide continues to demonstrate versatility across multiple species that are vectors of disease and this strong performance against ticks opens additional pathways in the public health, companion animal, and livestock markets. With the rising incidence of tick-borne disease, there is a clear global need for safer, more effective acaricides.”