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First in world chemical free PPE product that will pave the way for safer methods of decontamination that do not cause harm to humans or the environment

Aquila Bioscience, a medical technology company from NUI Galway, has successfully proven that its breakthrough Pathogen Capturing Technology safely removes 99.99% of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19) from human skin.

This is the first time a nature inspired, safe and non-toxic technology that is free from all harmful chemicals, has been proven to remove COVID-19 from human skin with such efficiency. The environmentally friendly Class I device safely captures, removes and neutralizes harmful pathogens and viral infections like coronavirus from the skin and surfaces. The breakthrough is significant and occurs at a time when protecting society and controlling the spread of COVID-19 in the community is paramount.

The results show that this novel technology is equally if not more effective as the highest performing chemical-based methods currently on the market but without any of the environmental or health problems.

The proprietary Pathogen Capturing Technology is currently saturated onto a large wipe, sterilized and individually packaged. This Anti Bioagent Decontamination (ABD) Device is free from alcohol and toxic chemicals and can be safely and frequently used on sensitive areas of the human body including the eyes, nose and mouth without causing any adverse side effects as well as on sensitive equipment such as computer screens and non-corrosive surfaces. Unlike other products on the market, ABD Devices are environmentally safe as they are made from natural materials.

Originally developed to protect first-responders and defence forces personnel from a potential biological attack from agents such as anthrax, plague and ricin, Aquila Bioscience has redirected the technology to make available to the government and corporate organisations as a decontamination solution in the fight against the spread of COVID-19. The ABD Device is currently approved by the Department of Education for use as emergency Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) across 4,000 primary and post primary education institutions in Ireland and used by the Irish Defence Forces.

Lokesh Joshi, Founder of Aquila Bioscience and Professor in Glycoscience at NUI Galway, said: “The Aquila Bioscience’s innovative and ground breaking technology is a major game changer in the future of pathogen and infection control, and will pave the way for safer methods of decontamination that do not cause harm to humans or the natural world.”

The study was carried out by an independent laboratory, NeoVirtech in Toulouse, France with expertise in Virology using donor human skin from cosmetic surgeries.

When applied to the skin surface, the laboratory found that the ABD device removes pathogens from affected surfaces by binding to the pathogens with microscopic molecular hooks.

Professor Joshi continued: “Currently we are very much focused on supplying this technology to the Irish markets. We are also interested in working with other international partners on how best to bring this technology to other global markets.”

Garrett Murray, National Director for Horizon 2020 at Enterprise Ireland, said: “This is a great development and Aquila Bioscience is an excellent example of an Irish spinout that is engaging with the national and European research systems to support their scaling strategy. The Enterprise Ireland Horizon 2020 team is looking to engage with companies with similar ambition to support engagement with the European research and innovation system.”

Lieutenant Colonel, Ray Lane (Retired), said: “In 2014 in my role of Commanding Officer of the Defence Forces Ordnance School, we worked closely with Professor Lokesh Joshi and his staff in future proofing our mutual capabilities. With the active support of the European Defence Agency, we looked at the threat from biological agents and designed scenarios for Professor Joshi. To see the innovative/novel development of the ABD today is a source of great pride and humility. As we began our work together in 2014, we agreed on our mission statement ‘Cooperation and Coordination saves lives’. This capability will indeed save many lives.”

The technology was developed in collaboration with the Defence Forces in Ireland and the Czech University of Defence, and is supported by the European Defence Agency, the European Union Horizon 2020, and the European Innovation Council.

For more information about Aquila Bioscience visit: www.aquilabioscience.com/.

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