Buckman and OmniLytics joint-venture

Buckman Laboratories of Memphis, TN and OmniLytics of Salt Lake City, UT, have entered into an agreement to pursue the commercialisation of bacteriophage-based products for E. coli, Salmonella and Listeria. Both firms are moving forward on a project that entails the external application of the bacteriophages to cattle, pigs, sheep and poultry livestock, both prior and post-slaughter. This unique technology will reduce the threat of human enteric infections encountered through contamination associated with these pathogens. The bacteriophage products would be utilised to treat the animals, living quarters, holding areas, transportation vehicles and containers. It is also envisioned that they will be utilised to reduce the level of contamination on cattle hides prior to further processing. The utilisation of bacteriophages or bacterial viruses is by no means new. They are ubiquitous in nature and all around us, being readily found in the food we eat and within our bodies. Unlike the mechanism of action associated with organic antibacterials or broad spectrum antibiotics, the specificity of phages provides a means to address a particular strain and species of bacteria, while maintaining the viability of other natural microflora. Dean Didato, Vice President with Buckman Laboratories stated: 'This unique technology provides an innovative, yet very specific means to address timely issues surrounding the reduction of pathogenic populations posing a threat to human health and welfare. The addition of this technology nicely complements recent advances that Buckman have made with respect to the use of non-traditional means to achieve similar results previously attained only by using synthetic chemistries.' Didato mentioned that the addition of bacteriophages to the company's product offering of Neoteric, Optimize and Aurora lines is a logical extension. Justin Reber, President & CEO of OmniLytics, said: 'We are excited about this collaborative effort with Buckman Laboratories. Buckman have the experience as well as extensive resources to be able to bring bacteriophage-based products into their respective market segments. With OmniLytics' expertise in manufacturing highly effective bacteriophage-based products for use in the food, water safety and industrial markets, and Buckman's broad worldwide reach in these markets, we're confident that together we can provide customers with natural, effective solutions.'