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BETADINE® has the potential to fight and limit the spread of Ebola
DUBAI, 8 March 2015
Mundipharma confirmed successful results from the testing of BETADINE® against the Ebola virus during the Dubai International Pharmaceuticals and Technologies Conference (DUPHAT). The testing was conducted at Marburg University, Germany, in response to contain the current outbreak of Ebola in West Africa [1]
BETADINE® formulations were tested against the Ebola virus, showing an excellent virucidal efficacy as well as fast virucidal activity. In fact, BETADINE® was shown to have a substantial potential to fight the outbreak and in minimizing the risk of human to human transmission.
Based on statistics from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, Ebola deaths in West Africa have exceeded the 9,000 mark. Practitioners across the world are cautioned to look out for symptoms of the virus to stop it from spreading. The Ebola virus is particularly lethal and doctors are required to follow guidelines on how to deal with suspected cases. According to the World Health Organization, hand hygiene is the most important infection prevention and control measure [2] as the skin is a routine source of infection transmission.
BETADINE® products are used for skin disinfection and surgical skin preparations globally for more than 45 years and are known to have a broad antimicrobial efficacy.
The BETADINE® range includes products such as BETADINE® Antiseptic Solution, BETADINE® Skin Cleanser and BETADINE® Surgical Scrub, for skin disinfection and hand hygiene in hospitals and healthcare institutions in the prevention of various hospital and community acquired infections.
Mundipharma recently announced an initiative to support the control of Ebola, donating supplies of BETADINE®, sufficient for more than two million hand washes in the Ebola treatment centers of West Africa.
Raman Singh, President, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa, commented: "The Ebola virus is a global and lethal threat to our population and it will take a massive international effort to stem the tide of this disease. Mundipharma is proud to be able to support efforts to curb these epidemics, demonstrating the breadth and efficacy of our products and in helping to inform and educate those at risk."
"The excellent results from our study with Betadine confirm its potential in the prevention and limiting the spread of Ebola. We are hopeful that this outcome from our research will bring great value to the medical community and society in the management of Ebola crisis. The race to stay ahead of viral epidemics is constant." added Prof. Dr. Maren Eggers, virologist responsible for the investigations.
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BETADINE® is a Registered Trademark.
[1] M. Eggers, M. Eickmann, J. Zorn, Povidone Iodine Solution, Skin Cleanser and Surgical Scrub demonstrated excellent virucidal in-vitro efficacy against Ebola virus Zaire, 2014
[2] WHO, August 2014.
For further information please contact:
Stephenie Vasko
Communications Director - Asia, Latin America & Middle East PH +65-6303-9732
stephenie.vasko@mundipharma.com.sg www.mundipharma.com.sg
About Mundipharma
The Mundipharma network of independent associated companies consists of privately owned companies and joint ventures covering the world's pharmaceutical markets. These companies are committed to bringing to patients the benefits of pioneering treatment options in the core therapy areas of oncology, pain, respiratory, consumer healthcare and rheumatoid arthritis. www.mundipharma.com.sg
About DUPHAT
DUPHAT - Dubai International Pharmaceuticals and Technologies Conference and Exhibition serves as the convergence point for pharmacists, physicians, scientists, marketing professionals, researchers, paramedical professionals, drug developers, dealers, agents, manufacturers, distributors, medical representatives, clinicians, pharmaceutical analysts & consultants, product specialists, key decision makers, pharmacy practitioners, trade visitors & academia in the Middle East Region
About Marburg University
Marburg University, which is almost 500 years old, is the oldest and most traditional university in the state of Hessen, Germany and considers itself to be a classical university offering a full range of courses with a modern approach. Its broad range of arts and humanities, and its experimentally challenging scientific work, constitute an ideal platform for interdisciplinary cooperation. The university relies on innovative teaching methods and networked research. http://www.uni-marburg.de/
© Press Release 2015
