Mundipharma Demonstrates Efficacy of BETADINE® Against Ebola Virus

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.