KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Laboratory testing completed at the Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Center (TIDREC) at the University of Malaya, Malaysia, has confirmed the effectiveness of BETADINE® Gargle and Mouthwash against the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) which causes COVID-19 disease. BETADINE® is manufactured and distributed in Malaysia by Mundipharma.
BETADINE® Gargle and Mouthwash was tested for virucidal activity in two concentrations, undiluted (PVP-I 1% w/v) and at a 1:2 dilution (PVP-I 0.5% w/v) under established European (EN14476) methodology and standards. The testing demonstrated strong in-vitro virucidal activity, with the tested products killing 99.99% of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in just 15 seconds.
The TIDREC research has been accepted by the British Dental Journal (BDJ) and was published as a Letter on 26 June 2020. The journal is published by Springer Nature on behalf of the British Dental Association.
“Laboratory testing has shown that BETADINE® Gargle and Mouthwash is effective against COVID-19 and could contribute to our ongoing efforts to keep people and communities safe,” said Dr Pouya Hassandarvish, the Lead Investigator of the Study and the postdoctoral fellow researcher at TIDREC, University of Malaya.
“These results confirm our view that BETADINE® Gargle and Mouthwash, used appropriately and in conjunction with other preventative treatment options including PPE, could play a role in limiting the spread of infections, including COVID-19,” said Raman Singh, Mundipharma CEO.
“It also provides the medical and dental community with a science-based assurance that they are using a product that is specifically studied against COVID-19,” he added.
Previously, BETADINE® antiseptic products containing Povidone-iodine (PVP-I) have been proven effective against a wide range of viruses, including coronaviruses that have caused major outbreaks such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The BETADINE® antiseptic range contains Povidone-iodine (PVP-I), which is effective against a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi and is typically used in hospitals and homes.
About TIDREC
TIDREC serves as a focal point for national and international collaborative research for academic institutions and research industries in Malaysia. TIDREC also emphasizes on education and development of human skills. By advocating safe laboratory science, TIDREC aspires to be an internationally recognized centre of excellence in tropical infectious diseases research and education that serves the health needs of global communities.
TIDREC was the first research centre in the country to install fully certified modular biosafety level 2 & 3 laboratories for research involving highly virulent pathogens. TIDREC is also the only centre currently operating a mock biosafety level 3 training facility. The centre also houses the WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus Reference & Research. The centre offer services such as drug screening, validation test for diagnostic kits and research collaboration on vector-borne diseases.
TIDREC mission is to advance knowledge by focusing on research in neglected tropical infectious diseases that have a potential impact on the global community.
About Mundipharma
Mundipharma’s independent associated companies are privately owned entities covering the world’s pharmaceutical markets. Mundipharma is a prime example of a company that consistently delivers high-quality products while standing by the values that represent the company. Our mission is to alleviate the suffering of patients with cancer and non-cancer pain and to substantially improve their quality of life. Mundipharma is dedicated to bringing to patients with severe and debilitating diseases the benefit of novel treatment options in fields such as pain, oncology, oncology supportive care, ophthalmology, respiratory disease and consumer healthcare.
About BETADINE®
The BETADINE® range of products have been trusted by hospitals and consumers around the world for over 60 years to prevent and treat infections. Over the last few years, Mundipharma has expanded the BETADINE® range of products to include Povidone-iodine and non-povidone iodine ranges for the prevention, treatment and maintenance of a range of conditions from upper respiratory tract infections, wound infections, feminine hygiene and infections and outbreaks to personal and hand hygiene. In-vitro and clinical studies have demonstrated that BETADINE® Povidone-iodine kills a broad range of bacteria, viruses and fungi including antibiotic-resistant strains.
®: BETADINE is a registered trademark of Mundipharma