At BLIS Technologies Limited, we are committed to using the latest scientific research to develop the highest quality probiotic solutions. Our innovative products are trusted by people around the world to help them lead healthier and happier lives.
Our company was founded by Professor Emeritus John Tagg, who was inspired to research and innovate after his early encounter with Streptococcus pyogenes – the bacteria that causes strep throat. As a child, he suffered from a series of strep sore throats that eventually led to rheumatic fever, and he had to take penicillin tablets daily for a decade to prevent further attacks.
Despite this experience, Professor Tagg was determined to find a more effective way to defend against strep throat. He wanted to prevent the illness from occurring in the first place, rather than simply treating it with antibiotics.
During his research at Otago University in Dunedin NZ, Professor Tagg made a significant discovery. He found that BLIS K12™, a naturally occurring strain of Streptococcus salivarius, had the ability to prevent strep throat by stopping the growth of Streptococcus pyogenes. This breakthrough not only marked a milestone in Professor Tagg’s career, but also became the foundation for our company.
A timeline of Blis Technologies Limited
While studying microbiology at Melbourne University, John is inspired by Dr. Rose Mushin's teachings on bacterial interference as a natural and targeted way of preventing infections. This leads him to pursue a PhD at Monash University, where he studies the connection between S. pyogenes infections and the autoimmune symptoms of rheumatic fever.
John begins working at the University of Otago microbiology department where he develops a procedure for the bacteriocin 'fingerprinting' of streptococci. Through this work, he makes the exciting discovery that most streptococci appear capable of producing some type of bacteriocin-like inhibitory activity.
Now a Microbiology Professor, John leaves his academic position at the University of Otago to focus on the commercial development of the BLIS K12 probiotic strain that he had discovered. Blis Technologies Limited is born.
BLIS launches its first product - BLIS K12™ ThroatGuard Pro - and the world's first probiotic for oral health.
Following the discovery that BLIS K12™ also inhibits the bacteria associated with bad breath, the FreshBreath kit is launched.
The BLIS M18™ (Streptococcis salivarius) strain launches into the market under the brand name HealthyTeeth. Several clinical trials found BLIS M18™ to promote the health of the oral cavity.
BLIS releases a new product, this time combining both oral and gut probiotics - ULTRABlis.
A new strain, this time for skin health - BLIS Q24™ - is released to market within the skincare product - the Live Probiotic Hydration Serum. It is the first skincare product enriched with a live skin probiotic.
Global probiotic company Probi acquires Blis shares and enters into a strategic partnership.
BLIS becomes the first Green Lab certified in New Zealand. My Green Lab’s Certification is considered the global standard for laboratory sustainability best practices around the world.
The BLIS Q24™ Live Probiotic Hydration Serum wins the Callaghan Innovation Award at the NZ Natural Health Awards.
