Zoono ramps up production in anticipation its antimicrobial sanitisers can destroy coronavirus

As the coronavirus unfolds worldwide, antimicrobial product producer Zoono Group (ASX: ZNO) revealed its confidence in being part of the solution in preventing the spread of the virus and potential new virus threats.

After being inundated with public and shareholder enquiries, Zoono stated its Z71 Microbe Shield surface sanitiser was successfully tested in 2014 against the bovine coronavirus.

The test results confirmed 99.99% efficacy in five minutes.

As part of this, Zoono has sent its Z71 surface sanitiser and GermFree24 hand sanitiser to a German laboratory for testing against this latest coronavirus strain – 2019nCoV.

“Given the successful test results in 2014 and since, Zoono is very confident that both products will have a level of efficacy against the current strain of the coronavirus similar to that achieved previously,” the company stated.

Results from testing against 2019nCoV are expected to be available in four to six weeks. But, with the firm belief its technology will be effective, Zoono has begun ramping up production of the key ingredients for its Z71 Microbe Shield surface sanitiser and GermFree24 hand sanitiser.

With the public also expecting its effectiveness against the virus, Zoono noted it had received more than NZ$1 million in orders during the last two weeks of January. Most of these orders have arisen out of China and Hong Kong.

The company also reported its online consumer sales achieved a record $49,000-worth of sales in one day.

Additionally, the company has received increasing forward orders and product inquiries including potential distribution arrangements from major companies.

Zoono stated it expects to be able to meet the increased demand for its products.

Antimicrobial technology

Zoono has developed commercially available antimicrobial products that are scientifically-proven to be effective against pathogens including bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae and mould.

The products have received numerous regulatory approvals and are based on the “zoono molecule”.

According to the company, the zoono molecule is long-lasting and environmentally friendly antimicrobial and bonds to any surface.

When applied to a surface via spraying, wiping or fogging, the antimicrobial technology leaves a mono-molecular layer that bonds to the surface and forms a barrier of positively charged microscopic pins.

The microscopic pins attract and pierce negatively charged pathogens. They work by lethally rupturing the pathogen’s cell walls.

Zoono claims the microscopic pins work on surfaces for up to 30 days with routine cleaning not impacting antimicrobial activity.

Novel coronavirus

The 2019-nCoV coronavirus strain is believed to have originated out of Wuhan City, within the Hubei Province of China.

The World Health Organisation was alerted to the virus on 31 December 2019 and a week later Chinese authorities had confirmed the new strain, which is part of the same family of viruses that include the common cold, SARS and MERS.

Since then, the virus has spread with 6,065 cases confirmed globally (data correct as of 29 January 2020).

In China, there are 5,997 confirmed cases, with 9,239 suspected infections.

Of those, 1,239 cases are believed to be severe, with 132 deaths recorded to date.

Outside of China, 68 cases have been confirmed across 15 countries, including seven in Australia.

With Zoono’s technology anticipated to be effective against 2019-nCoV, its share price rocketed more than 23% to close Thursday at $0.815.