SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
___________________
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) August 22, 2000
BICO, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Pennsylvania 0-10822 25-1229323
(State of other jurisdiction (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer
of incorporation) Identification No.)
2275 Swallow Hill Road, Bldg. 2500, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15220
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (412) 429-0673
________________________________________________________
(Former name or former address,
if changes since last report.)
Item 1. Change in Control of Registrant.
Not applicable.
Item 2. Acquisition or Disposition of Assets.
Not applicable.
Item 3. Bankruptcy or Receivership.
Not applicable.
Item 4. Changes in Registrant's Certifying Accountant
Not applicable.
Item 5. Other Events.
BICO, Inc. subsidiary, Diasensor.com, Inc.,
announced today that following a significant
milestone achievement, the Company expanded its
alliance with San Diego, CA based MicroIslet, Inc.
with the acquisition of an additional ten percent
of the company, increasing Diasensor.com's
holdings to twenty percent.
Item 6. Resignation of Registrant's Directors.
Not Applicable
Item 7. Financial Statement, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits.
(a) Financial Statements and Businesses Acquired - Not Applicable.
(b) Pro Forma Financial Information - Not Applicable.
(c) Exhibits - Press Release.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirement of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to
be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly
authorized.
BICO, INC.
by /s/ Fred E. Cooper
Fred E. Cooper, CEO
DATED: August 22, 2000
BICO, INC.'S SUBSIDIARY, DIASENSOR.COM, EXPANDS ALLIANCE WITH
MICROISLET, INC. AFTER SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE IS ACHIEVED
Pittsburgh, PA - August 22, 2000 - BICO, Inc.
(OTCBB:BICO) subsidiary, Diasensor.com, Inc., announced
today that following a significant milestone achievement,
the Company expanded its alliance with San Diego, CA based
MicroIslet, Inc. with the acquisition of an additional ten
percent of the company, increasing Diasensor.com's holdings
to twenty percent.
The significant milestone achieved is the state of
normal glycemia as evidenced by blood glucose measurements,
HbA1c results, and glucose tolerance testing of one
previously insulin dependent non-human primate. The
transplant recipient had severe diabetes with blood glucose
readings in excess of 600mg/dl prior to the procedure, which
has now restored proper glucose control for a period well
into the fourth month, giving the primate consistent blood
glucose readings between 80 mg/dl and 110 mg/dl. Of
particular interest to the diabetes community is the fact
that the MicroIslet approach does not have the limitations
related to the supply of islets from human donors or the
need for immuno-supression regimens according to John F.
Steel, CEO of MicroIslet, Inc.
This milestone was met in the course of a MicroIslet
sponsored research project conducted in the laboratory of
Dr. Emmanuel Opara, Ph.D./ Director of Islet Transplant
Research at Duke University Medical Center. Full results
will be published when the project is complete. MicroIslet
has licensed several technologies from Duke University
related to Islet Cell Transplantation for insulin dependent
diabetes. The technology developed by Dr. Opara represents
a unique method for isolation, culture, storage, and
immunoprotection of transplanted Islet cells.
More than 16 million people in the U.S. are currently
living with diabetes, and approximately 4 million of these
people require daily insulin therapy to help them manage
their disease. This population would benefit the greatest
from transplanted islets to restore normally functioning,
insulin-producing cells instead of treating symptoms of the
disease. Estimates indicate that in excess of 100 billion
dollars is spent annually in the U.S. on direct and indirect
costs associated with diabetes.
Fred E. Cooper, CEO of BICO, Inc., stated, "BICO and
Diasensor.com are elated with the progress realized by
MicroIslet in this research project. This expanded
alliance and investment in MicroIslet demonstrates the
ongoing commitment of Diasensor.com and BICO, its parent, to
work toward a cure for diabetes and improved quality of life
for those who suffer from the disease."
BICO, Inc. (formerly known as Biocontrol Technology,
Inc.) has its corporate offices in Pittsburgh, PA and is
involved in the development and manufacture of biomedical
devices and environmental products. Subsidiary Diasensor.com
owns the patents, technology, marketing, and distribution
rights to the Diasensor 2000 noninvasive glucose monitor,
which was developed by BICO and is currently in the FDA
approval process. BICO owns 52% of Diasensor.com, which is
also located in Pittsburgh, PA.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Investors Media
Diane McQuaide Susan Taylor
1.412.429.0673 phone 1.412.429.0673 phone
1.412.279.9690 fax 1.412.279.5041 fax
INVESTOR RELATIONS NEWSLINE NUMBER: 1.800.357.6204
WEBSITE: www.bico.com
