Bio-Gene Secures A$3 Million in U.S. DoD Funding for Flavocide® and Qcide®

Bio-Gene’s Strategic Win in U.S. Defense Funding

Australian biotech firm Bio-Gene Technology Limited (ASX: BGT) has secured two significant grants from the U.S. Department of Defense’s Deployed Warfighter Protection (DWFP) program, totaling A$3 million (US$1.9 million). These grants mark a pivotal endorsement of Bio-Gene’s insecticide technologies, Flavocide® and Qcide®, designed to protect military personnel from disease-carrying insects and to address growing global challenges in pest control.

The DWFP program, administered by the U.S. Armed Forces Pest Management Board, focuses on developing novel insect control solutions to safeguard deployed troops from arthropod-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue. Bio-Gene’s success in this highly competitive, peer-reviewed process underscores the potential of its nature-derived insecticides to meet stringent military standards.

Innovative Product Development with Strategic Partners

The first grant, valued at A$1.6 million, supports the development of a wearable device incorporating Flavocide® as a passive spatial repellent and toxicant against mosquitoes and other flying insect vectors. This project involves collaboration with GearJump Technologies, a U.S.-based company specialising in controlled release devices, alongside key military research bodies including the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command and the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research.

The second grant, worth A$1.4 million, funds the development of a sprayable formulation of Qcide® aimed at providing residual control of bed bugs and flies in indoor environments. This product targets both military and civilian applications, with research support from the Walter Reed Army Institute and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s entomology center.

Market Implications and Commercial Potential

Bio-Gene’s Managing Director Tim Grogan highlighted the dual military and civilian market opportunities presented by these grants. With over 700,000 annual deaths globally from vector-borne diseases and a rapidly growing bed bug control market projected to nearly double by 2032, the commercial potential for Flavocide® and Qcide® is substantial.

Both products leverage novel modes of action to overcome widespread insecticide resistance, a critical advantage as current pest control solutions face diminishing effectiveness. Bio-Gene’s nature-identical compounds promise safer, environmentally friendly alternatives that align with increasing regulatory and consumer demand for sustainable pest management.

Looking Ahead

These grants not only provide non-dilutive funding but also position Bio-Gene at the forefront of next-generation insecticide innovation with strong validation from U.S. defense agencies. The company’s ongoing collaborations with leading research institutions will be crucial in advancing these products through development and towards commercialisation.

As Bio-Gene progresses, investors and industry watchers will be keen to monitor milestones in product efficacy, regulatory approvals, and market adoption, particularly in the lucrative civilian pest control sector.