PR84286

ZURICH, Switzerland, June 8, 2020 /PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/--

    HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 is among the first textile technologies in the world

to be proven effective against SARS-CoV-2 in the laboratory. Tests conducted by

Swiss textile innovator HeiQ (https://heiq.com/) with the Peter Doherty

Institute (https://www.doherty.edu.au/)  for Infection and Immunity in

Melbourne, Australia (Doherty Institute) showed that treated fabric achieved

99.99% reduction of the virus.

    HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 (https://heiq.com/technologies/heiq-viroblock/) is a

textile treatment for industrial use, designed to provide textiles with

antiviral and antibacterial properties. The combination of silver antimicrobial

technology and vesicle technology rapidly destroy enveloped viruses including

coronaviruses. It has previously been tested against coronavirus 229E, another

strain of virus in the Coronavirus family.

    The latest testing with SARS-CoV-2 virus was conducted by researchers at

the Doherty Institute, a joint venture between the University of Melbourne and

The Royal Melbourne Hospital, an internationally renowned institution combining

research, teaching, public health and reference laboratory services, diagnostic

services and clinical care into infectious diseases and immunity.

    The research project involved a disinfection test protocol that simulated

the real-life interaction of small aerosol droplets contaminating clothing. A

known concentration of SARS-CoV-2 virus was contacted with the sample fabric

for 30 minutes followed by measurement of remaining infectious SARS-CoV-2

viruses.

    The fabric sample treated with HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 had no infective

viruses left after 30 minutes. The result indicated a SARS-CoV-2 virus

reduction of 99.99% relative to the inoculum control.

    Carlo Centonze, Swiss co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of HeiQ Group,

stated, "The confirmation of antiviral activity of HeiQ Viroblock against

SARS-CoV-2 is an important milestone. This data forms part of our ongoing

efforts to help provide textiles with greater levels of protection against

viruses and contribute to efforts towards mitigation of the global pandemic."

    "HeiQ appreciates the work of the Doherty Institute in conducting these

tests and the tremendous efforts of their researchers in contributing to the

global understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic," says Australian Dr. Murray

Height, co-founder and Chief Science Officer of HeiQ Group.

    Dr. Julie McAuley, Senior Research Officer at the Doherty Institute,

stated, "A key part of the Institute's current COVID-19 research focus is on

testing different ways to achieve an antiviral effect against the SARS-CoV-2

virus."

    "Testing the action of different disinfectants and surface treatments is

one way that our research can help provide insights towards helping to stop the

pandemic," Dr. McAuley added.

    Sign up for the press conference: CLICK HERE

(https://heiq.com/2020/06/05/heiq-viroblock-tested-successfully-against-virus-th

at-causes-covid-19)

    About HeiQ

    Founded in 2005 as a spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of

Technology Zurich (ETH), HeiQ is a leader in textile innovation creating some

of the most effective, durable and high-performance textile technologies on the

market today. HeiQ's purpose is to improve the lives of billions of people by

perfecting an everyday product: Textiles. Combining three areas of expertise –

scientific research, specialty materials manufacturing and consumer ingredient

branding – HeiQ is the ideal innovation partner to create differentiating and

sustainable textile products and capture the added value at the point of sale.

With a total capacity of 35'000 tons per year HeiQ manufactures in the USA,

Switzerland and Australia serving its chemical specialties in over 60 countries

worldwide.

    HeiQ, Viroblock and HeiQ Viroblock are trademark(s) or registered

trademark(s) of HeiQ Materials AG. The use of such trademark(s) is subject to

approval from HeiQ.

    CONTACT

    HeiQ Materials AG

    Ruetistrasse 12

    8952 Schlieren (Zurich)

    Switzerland

    www.heiq.com

    Switzerland: +41-56-250-68-50

    USA: +1-704-795-9322

    Taiwan: +886-3-312-0561        

    To sign up for the press conference, CLICK HERE:

(https://heiq.com/2020/06/05/heiq-viroblock-tested-successfully-against-virus-th

at-causes-covid-19)

    For inquiries about HeiQ Viroblock face masks, send an email to ppe@heiq.com

    For other questions, send an email to info@heiq.com

    About the Doherty Institute

    Finding solutions to prevent, treat and cure infectious diseases and

understanding the complexities of microbes and the immune system requires

innovative approaches and concentrated effort. This is why the University of

Melbourne (http://www.unimelb.edu.au/) – a world leader in education, teaching

and research excellence – and The Royal Melbourne Hospital  

(http://www.thermh.org.au/) – an internationally renowned institution providing

outstanding care, research and learning – partnered to create the Peter Doherty

Institute for Infection and Immunity (Doherty Institute); a centre of

excellence where leading scientists and clinicians collaborate to improve human

health globally.

    CONTACT

    792 Elizabeth Street

    Melbourne VIC 3000

    Australia        

    doherty-reception@unimelb.edu.au

    +61-3-9035-3555

    Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1134330/HeiQ_Materials_Logo.jpg

    Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1177576/HeiQ_Viroblock.jpg

    Photo Caption: caption: HeiQ co-founder and group CEO Carlo Centonze

explains the mechanism of HeiQ Viroblock to his daughter. (Photo from HeiQ)

    Source: HeiQ AG