Ciba Elects to Cease Industrial Product Evaluations

Ciba found very strong efficacy in Biosignals anti-microbial compounds but also found that adding these compounds in processed applications resulted in other product ramifications. Cibas main applications were in PVC plastic and coatings. The product issues that surfaced during the testing phase involved either high temperatures during processing or incompatibility with other components in the formulation process.

This decision does not alter expectations for Biosignals core industrial applications and other product lines, for which these processing issues are not relevant and formulations are less complex. These include:

• Non-exclusive agreements with major oil producer ConocoPhillips in the oil and gas industry to evaluate Biosignals novel treatment for microbiologically influenced corrosion in oil and gas infrastructure.
• Cooperative agreements with other major oil & gas companies to advance anti-microbial product development
• Arrangement with Saraya Co of Japan tied to bringing air-conditioning and urinal sanitation products to markets in Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
• Agreement with a major international agrichemicals company to evaluate Biosignals unique anti-microbial technology for use in crop and seed protection.
• Agreement with leading international animal health company to use Biosignals anti-microbial technology to develop new livestock and animal food products

While Ciba has decided not to commercialise the Biosignal technology in the plastics and coatings markets, Ciba continues to be impressed by its uniqueness and efficacy. We wish Biosignal well and expect other companies might realise great gains from this technology, said Dr. Dick Thomas, Global Head, Bioprotection of Ciba Corporation.