Byotrol hails year of progress
A North West biotech firm, which is leading the fight against superbugs such as MRSA, today hailed some key milestones but admitted that progress with the NHS has been “very slow”.
Byotrol said it is continuing with its strategy of partnering with “significant businesses” in chosen key markets.
In healthcare, its tie-up with Synergy Health has resulted in “outstanding” success in trials of Byotrol’s gels and liquids.
The Manchester company said Synergy Health’s Byotrol based Azo range performed excellently in the recently completed large scale trial at Manchester Royal Infirmary.
Monroe Hospital in the USA – a pioneer user of its products – has completed 30 months without a single hospital-acquired infection in more than 35,000 patients treated.
Chief executive David McRobbie said: “Although commercial progress has been very slow, we were pleased that certain Byotrol materials were included on the NHS supply catalogue in late 2008. This has led to some uptake by several NHS trusts. During this year we will continue to actively support and grow this key sector.”
In the 12 months to end of March, Byotrol, which was foundd by Stephen Falder, said revenue slid from £947,800 to £929,800, while losses increased from £2.7m to £2.9m.
Elsewhere, the group has secured several distribution deals with food industry suppliers and signed a number joint venture deals to launch into the consumer market. These include the development of Byotrol products for Scholl, Durex and PZ Cussons in Africa.
Mr McRobbie said that although the current outlook is promising, in the current economic climate it is difficult to predict anything with certainty.
He said: “Byotrol products are now on sale in niche markets in more than 30 countries. Results in major trials have confirmed the superiority of products incorporating Byotrol.
“A growing awareness of Byotrol’s hygiene revolution, coupled with a tight and highly focussed sales drive in our key markets, should provide the basis for our future success.
Byotrol also announced that Ralph Kugler, who joined the board as non-executive director last month has been appointed as chairman. Mr Kugler replaces Wesley Devoto.
