Biotech Company, Filligent, Launches Revolutionary Reduced-toxicity Cigarette Filter

Source from:  Filligent Limited 11/20/2008

Filligent, the Hong Kong-based biotech company, launched its groundbreaking reduced-toxicity MicroBlue™ filter technology to great success at the World Tobacco Asia 08 conference last week. The MicroBlue™ Gen 4 filter reduces the type of DNA damage that causes lung cancer without affecting the nicotine levels, taste, draw, smell, look or feel of traditional cigarettes. The MicroBlue™ technology has been independently tested to reduce base-pair DNA damage by up to 55%. Base-pair DNA damage is the molecular signature of tobacco-induced lung cancer. Filligent's patented reduced-toxicity filtration technology utilizes an innovative, yet inexpensive material that selectively binds and inactivates many of the carcinogens in cigarette smoke. The MicroBlue™ scavenging effect results from the affinity between this innovative material and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and other classes of carcinogens found in cigarette smoke. This intelligent and selective filtration leaves nicotine and other smoking sensations untouched.

MicroBlue™ technology uses safe components and does not add anything to mainstream smoke: its only effect on smoke is to selectively remove a significant amount of harmful carcinogens. MicroBlue™ filters have been extensively tested in internationally recognized and accredited independent labs in the US and UK. The MicroBlue™ Gen 4 filter represents a seminal breakthrough in filter technology because it provides the compelling value-add of toxicity reduction without compromising the original smoking experience, at pricing comparable to carbon filters. For tobacco brands looking to distinguish themselves with a decisive edge, MicroBlue™ filters present a win-win opportunity in a highly competitive market. The MicroBlue™ technology can be combined with a carbon filter for added flexibility. Being taste-neutral, the MicroBlue™ Gen 4 filter provides a genuine "plug-and-play" solution for existing brands wishing to capture additional market share by upgrading the technology in their existing product lines. The combination of compelling functional benefits combined with extremely competitive pricing contains the promise of widespread adoption by tobacco brands eager to stand out in a crowded marketplace. No wonder the Filligent booth was one of the busiest of the show! "The enthusiastic reaction to the MicroBlue™ filter range at World Tobacco Asia confirms that the market is clamoring for this kind of product. The positive feedback and number of hard leads generated in just two days indicate that the tobacco industry is finally listening to consumer demands and, in a highly competitive environment, is now ready to capitalize on the benefits of reduced-toxicity products," said Filligent Chief Marketing Officer, Joanne Ooi. Cigarette manufacturers can either purchase the finished MicroBlue™ Gen 4 filter rods direct from Filligent or purchase the components for incorporation into their existing filter production. Filligent also offers a licensing arrangement for suitable international partners. Filligent's flexible, pragmatic approach will undoubtedly speed global usage of the MicroBlue™ revolutionary reduced-toxicity products and standards of excellence. To accommodate burgeoning MicroBlue™ demand, support ongoing R&D and ensure quality, Filligent recently opened a purpose-built, world-class specialty filter manufacturing facility in North Carolina, USA. This facility is twinned with a state-of-the-art laboratory for conducting regulatory and R&D tests. The lab is located in Hong Kong and together with the dedicated filter facility permits a complete, seamless and swift solution for MicroBlue™ customers. It looks like 2009 will be a banner year for Filligent's reduced-toxicity technologies, with several brands already opting for market expansion under the MicroBlue™ flag in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. As early as January, smokers in France, Spain and Italy will be able to enjoy the benefits of MicroBlue™ Gen 4 reduced-toxicity filters with the launch of several brands, which will also be available in duty-free stores. *Base-Pair DNA Damage The standard threshold cancer-risk assessment test used by the FDA and OECD for measuring base-pair DNA mutations is the Ames Reverse Bacterial Mutation Assay (OECD 471) using the TA 100 strain with S9 activation. Base-pair DNA mutations form the molecular signature for tobacco-induced lung cancer. A databook containing test results is available upon request, or go to www.filligent.com for additional information. About Filligent Filligent is a Hong Kong biotech company that develops advanced and affordable 'intelligent filtration' technologies designed to combat the transmission of diseases. Using biochemistry at the molecular level, its proprietary technologies seek out dangerous pathogens and chemicals and then kill or inactivate them before they enter the human body. Filligent is able to select and filter out dangerous agents from the air, water, and from off surfaces – including the human skin. Filligent provides ordinary people with affordable and advanced protective devices against infectious or other diseases. Filligent gives people Health Choices. Enditem