Kraton is seeking regulatory approval for BIAXAM, a novel sulfonated polymer technology with long-lasting self-disinfecting properties that has been demonstrated in studies to quickly inactivate up to 99.99% of SARS-CoV-2 (virus that causes COVID-19) and other microbes.
Kraton developed the BIAXAM technology as part of its sulfonated polymer product line and plans to expand product testing and seek regulatory approval for use as a durable, long-lasting disinfectant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In parallel, Kraton is pursuing registrations and/or approval with appropriate regulatory agencies in countries outside the U.S.
The efficacy of Kraton's BIAXAM technology has been studied by multiple organizations, including Boston University's National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories (NEIDL), North Carolina State University, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) at Galveston, and Syngene International. The testing performed at the UTMB and Boston University BSL-4 laboratories has demonstrated BIAXAM to be effective against SARS-CoV-2 and other microbes.
"BIAXAM offers rapid and long-lasting performance, unlike current disinfectant offerings that are only effective immediately or require periodic treatment or re-application," said Dr. Vijay Mhetar, Kraton's Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. "Currently there are no EPA approved long-lasting disinfectants2, so this technology is truly extraordinary. We believe the EPA would approve BIAXAM for the U.S. market and allow us to market the solution due to the novel anti-microbial properties it has demonstrated."
The BIAXAM technology is patent-pending and will be commercially available shortly. For the U.S. market, until EPA approval is obtained, BIAXAM cannot be sold, marketed or distributed as components of products that kill or repel or claim to kill or repel microbes such as virus, bacteria or mold.
"We've been developing this technology for some time for other applications, but the recent pandemic has led to an urgent and high demand for anti-microbial materials," said Kevin M. Fogarty, Kraton's President and Chief Executive Officer. "We are excited about the possibility of bringing this innovation to market. We are currently conducting discussions with a number of possible development partners to explore potential applications in the U.S. and other regions worldwide."