Struggling Dunedin-based biotech firm Blis Technologies is introducing a probiotic into the New Zealand retail market called BLIS M18.

The company has launched the product on its website and said its goal was to educate customers and planned to sell BLIS M18 in retail pharmacies in the future.

Clinical trials had shown the product inhibited bacteria associated with tooth decay and it had been a success in the United States where it was introduced to the market in 2010, the company said.

BLIS M18 is a strain of a species of beneficial bacteria which occurs naturally in the mouths of healthy individuals.

Used with regular oral hygiene practices, the probiotic promoted a healthy balance of bacteria in the mouth and naturally protected teeth and gums, the company said.

The biotech company has another dental product, the BLIS K12^TM fresh breath kit, a probiotic designed to help prevent bad breath, sore throats and respiratory infections which retails in pharmacies.

Last month Blis revised its guidance for the financial year to March 31 to an operating deficit of $1.3 million from a deficit of $0.8m advised in March.

That was due to a number of recent developments including the decision of a United States product formulation company to suspend promotion and sales of a product containing BLIS K12 and BLIS M18 ingredients. That was due to the harsh economic climate oversees, the company said.

Blis Technology's share price has fallen from 5 cents a share a year ago to about 0.6 cents a share.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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