Hand sanitizer targets Asian governments in fight against bird flu

The company says that because of Invisicare's patented delivery system it can help to prevent the transmission of the Avian Bird Flu virus, H5N1, via human contact.

Studies carried out by UK-based Retroscreen Virology claim that the hand sanitizer has a 99.9 per cent inactivation rate for the virus, thanks to its chlorhexidine antimicrobial properties.

On the strength of the study, Skinvisible says that it wants to use this evidence as part of a marketing campaign in the Asian region to bring about greater awareness of the importance of maintaining cleanliness in all stages of food processing and preparation, through the use of the product.

Using its Hong Kong-based agent and in conjunction with marketing partners EMD Chemicals and Merck, the company says it is launching a campaign that will target potential licensees and governmental agencies throughout the region.

Last year the company launched a media campaign highlighting the fact that its hand sanitizer could be an important tool in the fight against bird flu, a move that is now being backed up by the launch of this more targeted marketing campaign.

"When large reputable publications like the Wall Street Journal cite incident after incident of new cases of the bird flu in Egypt, Japan, China, Indonesia, Vietnam and Hong Kong, you have to take notice,"​ said Terry Howlett, President and CEO of Skinvisible.

"The active ingredient in Skinvisible's product is Chlorhexidine (klor-HEX-i-deen), an easily tolerated and effective antiseptic that kills or inhibits the growth of disease-causing bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms, and is used for surgical scrubs, skin wounds, germicidal hand rinse and antibacterial dental rinse. This compound is delivered via Skinvisible's patented Invisicare polymer delivery system."​

The hand sanitizer recently received government approval in Canada, a move it is also hoping to duplicate in Asia, where the threat of bird flu has been more elevated.