Retroscreen collaborate with Sharp to tackle airborne viruses
Retroscreen Virology Limited, global leaders in anti-viral research, clinical trials and experimental challenge studies, is pleased to announce that it has successfully completed a project for The Sharp Corporation, a leading developer and manufacturer of appliances for the consumer and business markets. Sharp has developed new air purifiers with plasmacluster ion (PCI) technology and Retroscreen was involved in testing them for their anti-viral properties.
Retroscreen reports that the results are positive.
In principal, Sharp’s PCI technology works by splitting water molecules
and oxygen molecules into charged atoms (ions) of hydrogen and oxygen. These ions are drawn to airborne particles such as viruses and upon contact, form hydroxyl. Hydroxyl is very unstable and can permanently destroy the virus by robbing it of its hydrogen atoms.
Retroscreen Virology, specialists in anti-viral research, was asked to test how effective Sharp’s PCI technology actually was at removing airborne virus particles such as influenza. Viruses were suspended in a 1m3 box and the rate of virus removal from the air was measured. In this controlled environment, Retroscreen found that in just ten minutes, virtually all airborne viruses were inactivated when compared to controls.
Dr. Robert Lambkin-Williams, Managing Director of Retroscreen Virology Limited, commented: "We were delighted to test Sharp’s technology and are very pleased with the results. This type of technology could be very effective in reducing the risk of infection, particularly as we approach the flu season. Retroscreen has also been involved with testing nanomaterials for their anti-viral properties, and together, this highlights how new technologies developed by physicists as well as biologists, can be extremely effective at preventing the spread of infectious diseases".
Dr Lambkin-Williams and virology expert Professor John Oxford have given seminars on the use of ion technology for anti-viral purposes. In conjunction with Sharp, they have recently presented in Tokyo and Shanghai.
- ENDS -
For further information:
Retroscreen Virology Limited
Robert Lambkin-Williams, Managing Director Tel: +44 (0) 20 8709 4900
rlw@retroscreen.com http://www.retroscreen.com Media enquiries:
Abchurch
Stephanie Cuthbert / Simone Alves Tel: +44 (0) 20 7398 7700
stephanie.cuthbert@abchurch-group.com http://www.abchurch-group.com Notes to Editors
Retroscreen are global leaders in anti-viral research, clinical trials and experimental challenge studies. Based in London, the Company currently employs over 50 people, generating a turnover (2006/7) of approximately £5 million. Retroscreen conducts virucidal and virustatic testing, pre-clinical and clinical trails for global pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies that are developing antiviral drugs and vaccines. The Company is ISO9001 accredited and is partnered with a number of leading UK universities, including Queen Mary, University of London.
Clinical trials: Retroscreen conducts approximately five clinical trails each year, which involve several hundred candidates each, carefully selected from a database of over 4000 people. The Company offers a comprehensive service from protocol and case report form design through to effecting and co-ordinating the study, and it is currently expanding into data management and monitoring. The Company is especially renowned for its unique experimental challenge studies, conducted under strict quarantine conditions at its UK Flu Camps (see
http://www.flucamp.com).
Pre-clinical: Retroscreen has invested in the development and optimisation of in vitro antiviral assay techniques for preclinical trials. The Company specialises in assays for respiratory viruses such as influenza, RSV, and rhinovirus (the common cold), as well as gastrointestinal viruses and HIV among others.
Retroscreen is also part of a consortium led by QinetiQ Nanomaterials Limited, a wholly owned QinetiQ subsidiary, which is developing a range of viral treatments from nanomaterials. The two year programme, which was completed recently, was funded by the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) who allocated £2 million to the project.
Furthermore, Retroscreen is the lead participant in the European Surveillance Network for Vigilance against Viral Resistance (VIRGIL), which was established with a grant of £9 million from the European Union. Virgil is a network of excellence that aims to integrate and coordinate the activities of doctors and scientists from institutions across Europe who are investigating viral resistance.
For more information on Retroscreen please visit
http://www.retroscreen.comAbout Sharp Corporation: Founded in 1912, Sharp Electronics is a leading developer and manufacturer of electronic equipment, appliances and components for the consumer and business markets, with a key focus on high definition LCD TVs, photovoltaic (solar electric) systems and document solutions. It can claim one of the widest portfolios of business and lifestyle products under a single brand name in the world.
Sharp is listed on the FTSE4Good Global Index and aims to be an environmentally advanced company that balances business growth and environmental protection. To help equalize greenhouse gas emissions, Sharp focuses its extensive research and development on energy-saving and energy-creating products.
http://www.retroscreen.com/news-publications/story/retroscreen-collaborate-with-sharp-to-tackle-airborne-viruses/
