Yissum Research Development, the technology transfer arm of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, has presented EtoClean, a new antiviral hand sanitizer which has been found to be effective against the swine flu virus.
The product was invented by Professor Elka Touitou from the School of Pharmacy, of the faculty of Medicine at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and is being developed by Novel Therapeutic Technologies (NTT).
Reportedly, the results of tests conducted on clinically isolated H1N1 virus from patients demonstrated that the composition completely inactivates the swine flu virus within 15 seconds of exposure. The tests were carried out according to the American Society for Testing and Materials protocol in a FDA certified laboratory in the US.
The company claims that the new sanitizer exhibits microbicidal and antiviral properties effective for sanitizing a variety of surfaces, foods and skin. As such, it is developed by NTT as a full range of products for different sanitizing uses in various pharmaceutical forms.
The company also said that the sanitizer compositions contain GRAS (Generally Regarded As Safe) ingredients, which are safe for use and environmentally friendly. It does not dry the skin, allowing for the frequent use of the product. In addition, the product inactivates also many non-enveloped viruses, such as the hepatitis and noroviruses.
Yaacov Michlin, president and CEO of Yissum, said: “EtoClean appears to completely inactivate the swine flu virus almost immediately, while most hand sanitizers available on the market today were not tested specifically for swine flu. Yissum and NTT are currently seeking a strategic partner for the further development of this product, which has clear potential to provide a solution for the spreading of viral infectious diseases.”