Holista CollTech reports Natshield hand sanitiser active ingredient to be 99.99% effective against feline coronavirus
Path-Away, the plant-based active ingredient in Holista’s alcohol-free hand sanitiser called Natshield, has been tested to be more than 99.99% effective against the feline coronavirus, a surrogate of COVID-19.
Testing of the plant-based component in Natshield hand sanitisers developed by natural wellness company Holista CollTech (ASX: HCT) has confirmed it to be more than 99.99% effective against feline coronavirus, a surrogate of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus.
According to Holista, results from the UK tests show the active ingredient known as Path-Away has an efficacy of 4.17Log against the feline coronavirus at a concentration of 3%, within a minute of use.
The ingredient works by attaching itself to the virus, weakening its walls and inhibiting its ability to take up amino acids, which are considered a basic building block.
This forces the viruses to clump together, in the process killing themselves almost instantly.
Testing showed that 99.99% of the virus can be killed within 60 seconds of exposure to Natshield.
Holista chief executive officer Dr Rajen Manicka said the results are a significant attribute to the product’s alcohol and chemical-free formulation.
“This scientific validation means that NatShield can be used to sanitise the hands without the need for rinsing, can be applied to the face and even inside the nose without irritation and is not harmful even if swallowed,” he said.
“It may also be sprayed safely to sanitise a person’s immediate surrounding space, without any negative effects,” Dr Manicka added.
Next steps
Holista is now in the process of registering Natshield in Australia with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). It will also apply for the permit to claim it is effective against COVID-19, as per TGA guidelines.
The company has said it will not market the product as effective against COVID-19 unless it obtains this registration.
Plans are also underway to commence US-based testing of Path-Away to assess its efficacy against COVID-19 via a direct inoculation.
Path-Away development
Path-Away was developed by US-based Global Infections Control Consultants.
It has previously received ‘Generally Regarded As Safe’ certification, is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and has been exempted by the US Environmental Protection Agency.
It is also approved by the American Food and Safety Authority and New Zealand’s Environmental Protection Authority.
Holista is the global distributor of Path-Away under the NatShield trademark.
At mid-morning, shares in Holista CollTech were trading 17.65% higher at $0.20.