CytaCoat coating inactivates SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)

The study was performed by the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) Regional Bioconception Laboratory, in May 2020. Silicone with and without CytaCoat coating was exposed to SARS- CoV-2 and virus survival on the surface evaluated. After only 10 minutes, there was less virus on the CytaCoat treated surface than on the untreated surface after 24 hours.

Colleen B. Johnsson, Professor of Microbiology and Director at the UTHSC Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, comments : ”In our most recent study with your company, we demonstrated that CytaCoat surface significantly reduced the survival of SARS-CoV-2 as compared to uncoated silicone.”

CytaCoat AB is a Swedish R&D company based at the Karolinska Institute Science Park. The company developed an antimicrobial coating for medical devices, with the objective to prevent healthcare-associated infections – one of the biggest problems in healthcare today. CytaCoat’s antimicrobial coating contains only non-toxic, biocompatible organic components and can be applied to most materials used by the medical device industry. The technology could also be used to reduce infections through surface-to-surface transmission via, for example, door handles, keypads and mobile phones. This recent study opens up possibilities for use of the CytaCoat coating to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

“We are extremely proud of the results and will continue to optimize our technology, pursuing our misson to fight the spread of microbial infections, reducing human suffering and the global use of antibiotics. Antiviral surface protection is a new market that is growing exponentially and we have already started optimizing products from major medical technology manufacturers. We aim at reaching a first licensing agreement in 2020” says Per Wirsén, CEO of CytaCoat AB.

As a first anti- SARS-CoV-2 application, CytaCoat is planning to launch non-woven face masks, upon which the coating should inactivate virus in a short time, reducing the risk of transmission. CytaCoat is in contact with several face mask manufacturers and is also planning to launch its own pilot production plant.

The CytaCoat coating is not dependent upon antibiotics or toxic metals, such as silver particles, a major advantage over competitors. Surface stability, low friction and a strong effect against resistant bacteria (MRSA and ESBL) also give it an edge over existing technologies. The coating has previously been evaluated for antibacterial effect on medical devices and tested in humans with excellent results. The clinical study was conducted in collaboration with the neonatal unit at the Karolinska University Hospital and the results (log 5.8 reduction in bacterial growth) were published in “Material Science & Engineering C” 2018.

A new patent application for antiviral use was filed to the European Patent Office (EPO) in June 2020.

Read more about how SARS-COV-2 stays active on surfaces https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2004973?query=featured_home

For more information please contact:
Per Wirsén
Tel: + 33 665 46 75 50
Mail: per.wirsen@cytacoat.se