Agtech company Bio-Gene Technology (ASX:BGT) has announced the issuance of patent number 11712039 by the US Patent Office (USPTO).
The company said the patent extends protection for the use of Bio-Gene molecules, including Flavocide, to control all resistant pests in all significant environments.
The patent sits alongside the issued patent (No. 11259522), which covers the use of flavesone and related molecules to control resistant insects in an agricultural environment, including control of resistant grain storage insect pests.
The company said the newly issued patent significantly extends the scope of coverage. It covers the control of all classes of resistant insects and arachnids in significant environments where pest infestations occur.
It said the process for the new patent began in July 2018 when it submitted an international patent application to extend the protection of its technology for use as pesticides, including as insecticides.
Bio-Gene managing director and CEO, Richard Jagger, said, “This patent is a significant achievement for Bio-Gene. It broadens our patent coverage to include insect and arachnid pests in all target environments, creating significant value for Bio-Gene and our commercial partners. The insecticide market in the US is currently estimated at US$5 billion, presenting significant commercial opportunity. As shared previously, patent protection is an essential requirement on our commercialisation pathway, and we are very pleased with this approval.”