eSense-Lab Ltd (ASX:ESE) reports that research results have shown that certain formulas containing the company’s proprietary terpene blends are effective at neutralising HCoV-OC43 viruses showing a significant log reduction in viral copy numbers with a neutralization efficiency at least as good as 70% ethanol.
Based on the results, eSense-Lab plans to realise a Letter of Intent with SeaLaria, with the intention to commercialise an alcohol-free sanitiser comprising TRP-ENV and SeaLaria’s red algae.
The intention behind this research was to confirm whether the addition of terpenes in sanitisers could mean a reduction of harmful effects on skin, without compromising effectiveness. The commercial goal is to develop a superior organic dominant sanitiser product that provides added protection against bacteria and viruses, while reducing the ethanol content (which is known for its harmful side effects to the skin and its flammability risks).
The company has tested its proprietary terpene formulas with promising results of terpenes’ anti- viral synergistic effects.
Focus has been on testing two terpene profiles, TRP-ENV and TRP-COV, for their anti-viral activity against HCoV-OC43 Corona strain virus in a range of formulas. Results found more effective anti- viral activity in the TRP-ENV profile, than in the TRP-COV profile.
eSense has found that the combination of TRP-ENV in the presence of SeaLaria’s red algae provided an immediate neutralisation of HCoV-OC43 virus at all tested times (1, 3, 10 and 30 minutes). Yielding viricidal activity with a neutralization efficiency at least as good as 70% ethanol.
CTO of eSense Dr Eyal Kalo said that based on these results, the company now plans to widen its research activity by testing around TRP- ENV activity for bactericidal effect against most common air born bacteria.
By doing that, the company believes that its formula could be extended to full spectrum anti-pathogenic activity (virus and bacteria), which may have the potential to completely replace or at least significantly reduce the necessity for ethanol in hand and surface sterilisation.
Dt Kalo said that based on these very encouraging results, the company is now moving towards commercialisation plans and will advise accordingly.
We are pleased with the initial results from our testing at the Israeli Ministry of Health. In particular, the combination of our terpenes with SeaLaria’s red algae,” Dr Kalo said.
“This product shows a very promising commercialisation opportunity to create a hand and surface sanitiser that provides added protection while reducing ethanol content, making it safer and easier on the human skin.”