Blis Technologies

Blis Technologies Limited is a biotechnology company that manufactures advanced probiotics for the mouth and throat.[1]

Blis Technologies Limited
TypePublic
NZX: BLT
IndustryBiotechnology
PredecessorTarn Holdings Limited
Founded2000
Headquarters
Dunedin
,
New Zealand
Key people
Prof. John Tagg (Founder), Brian Watson (CEO)
Websiteblis.co.nz

History

The company's founder, John Tagg, has conducted research investigating the amount of bacteria present within a diet and their effects on personal hygiene.[2] After contracting rheumatic fever at age 12, Tagg later decided, as a young microbiology student, to seek an effective way of countering the disease.[3] In August 2000, he left his academic position at the University of Otago to launch Blis Technologies.[4] Two years later the first oral probiotic – ThroatGuard, containing BLISK12 – was marketed. A wide variety of products have been subsequently developed, with many now sold internationally in lozenges, gum, powder and other forms.[5]

Blis' products have been sold globally,[1] while the company itself is headquartered in Dunedin, New Zealand. Blis Technologies is publicly listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange.[6]

Awards and Innovation

Blis Technologies hold the world-first patent for their strain of the oral bacteria, Streptococcus salivarius, claimed to be beneficial for humans, which won the 2010 Frost & Sullivan award for Global Entrepreneurship.[7]

The company was also acknowledged by multinational Deloitte as the Fastest Growing Mature Business in New Zealand for 2016.[8]

Recent Developments

A secondary product to ThroatGuard, containing BLIS K12 in a powder form suitable for children and infants, was developed and branded ToddlerProtect.[9]

A third product was later rolled in 2006, TravelGuard, suitable for travelers exposed to airborne germs.

In September 2005, Blis announced the launch of FreshBreath, aimed with promoting and maintaining fresher breath.[10]

Blis Technologies introduced a new probiotic to the New Zealand market in October 2012, focused on fighting the bacteria associated with tooth decay and periodontal disease. The BLIS M18 (Streptococcis salivarius) strain was developed and launched into the market under the brand name HealthyTeeth. Several clinical trials found BLIS M18 to promote the health of the oral cavity.

In 2011, Blis K12 received GRAS (generally recognised as safe) status from the United States Food and Drug Administration, enabling the probiotic to be used as a food additive.[11]

References
  1. Wood, Alan (22 May 2015). "Blis Technologies positive on sales ahead". Stuff. Retrieved 20 June 2018.
  2. Gregory, Angela (13 November 2008). "From tooth decay to body odour, professor claims bacteria can beat the bugs". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 20 June 2018.
  3. Gibb, John (19 December 2013). "Funding for rheumatic fever". Otago Daily Times. Retrieved 20 June 2018.
  4. "Professor John Tagg Interview". University of Otago.
  5. "Blis announce launch of new products". Scoop Media. 21 November 2002. Retrieved 20 June 2018.
  6. "BLT". NZX. Retrieved 20 June 2018.
  7. Kloeten, Niko (30 April 2010). "Blis Technologies Wins International Award". The National Business Review. Retrieved 20 June 2018.
  8. "NZ Fast 50, Blis Technologies, ranked 22". Deloitte Private.
  9. Katz, Harold (19 March 2013). "Recent Studies Show Benefits of BLIS K12 Probiotic". The Huffington Post. Retrieved 20 June 2018.
  10. Franklin, Deborah (1 May 2013). "Beat bad breath, keep mouth bacteria happy". Scientific American. Retrieved 20 June 2018.
  11. Rae, Sally (20 September 2011). "Blis K12 FDA certification opens way for global launch". Otago Daily Times. Retrieved 20 June 2018.
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