TWO medics have made a major breakthrough after the NHS agreed to make their anti-cold sore device available on prescription.

The Virulite Cold Sore Machine was developed by GP Dr Gordon Dougal, from Easington, County Durham, and Darlington eye surgeon Jim Haslam.

It can be prescribed by family doctors in England and Wales from January.

Launched in October 2001 as an effective alternative to anti-viral creams, Virulite has become an international hit.

Thousands of the mobile-phone-sized battery-powered devices have been sold.

But the doctors have always hoped to have it approved by the NHS.

Mr Haslam, who works in Darlington Memorial Hospital, said: "This is an amazing achievement for the smallest medical research and development company in the world.

"This is the first time to our knowledge that any medical treatment device has been made available on prescription from family doctors as an alternative to conventional medication."

Dr Dougal has a degree in electronic engineering and has long been fascinated by the potential to harness light to encourage healing.

It was by using a prototype device on himself that he realised it could be used to rapidly clear up cold sores.

He found that infrared light with a wavelength of 1,072 nanometers appears to have a rejuvenating effect on human tissue.

Clinical trials of the cold sore machine have shown better results than any available anti-viral medication.

In 2005, researchers at Sunderland University demonstrated that this particular frequency of light has a measurable, positive effect on human immune cells, also known as lymphocytes.

The Durham doctors are now exploring other ways to use light for therapy.

Mr Haslam said another achievement this year was for their company to be recognised as a quality medical device manufacturer, so their products are allowed to carry the initials CE to denote acceptance across the European Union.

For more information about Virulite, ring 0800-052-3939 or visit www.vcs.eu.com. Virulite costs £45, including free delivery.