A CPC-based mouthwash manufactured by the self-care market specialist, Venture Life Group (VLG ), has been found to inactivate SARS-CoV-2 in the mouth for up to 1 hour.
Venture Life announced its involvement in a UK-led clinical trial on COVID-19 patients to investigate the possibility that using over-the-counter mouthwashes could help to reduce the viral load and therefore the transmission of COVID-19 in the mouth back in August 2020.
Conducted in partnership with Cardiff University, the study took place over 12 weeks and was entitled ‘The measurement of mouthwash antiviral activity against COVID-19’ (MOMA).
The results of a small-scale clinical trial now indicate that a mouthwash containing Venture Life’s antimicrobial agent CPC can inactivate SARS-CoV-2 in the mouth for up to 1 hour. 78 patients were recruited for the trial, with 27 patients having ‘live’ virus in their saliva.
The results of the clinical trial showed that a 30-second rinse with a CPC-based mouthwash in seven hospitalised COVID-19 patients eliminated the virus in the saliva by >99.99% at one minute, and by >99.8% at 60 minutes. In three out of the seven patients (around 40% of the cohort) no live virus was detected at any time after the initial rinse, the company explained.
Venture Life Group highlighted that the CPC-based mouthwash used in the Cardiff University study was one of a number of mouthwash formulations tested, alongside a saline control.
It said further large-scale clinical trials are now needed to establish whether CPC-based mouthwashes could be used as a preventative measure to help in the fight against COVID-19.
For example, for use as part of oral hygiene measures in hospitals healthcare settings, it said.
The study was part-funded by Venture Life, the manufacturer of the CPC-based mouthwash used, however there was no input in design, data analysis or drafting of the research paper.
In addition to being published on the health sciences website, medRxiv, the results have been submitted to a journal for peer review with Venture awaiting the outcome of this process.
In an update for the year ended 31 December 2021, Venture Life Group said it expected to report revenue of £32.6 million for the period, up 8% on £30.1m reported in the prior year.
2H21 revenue was stronger than in 1H at £18.7m, a rise of 35% over £13.9m the first half. In particular, the company said momentum had built in the business’ post acquisitions which it told investors was demonstrated by 4Q21 revenue which came 59% higher than that in 3Q21.
Adjusted EBITDA for the period was in line with market expectations and as at 31 December 2021, net debt stood at £3.2m. This was slightly higher than previous guidance, and the group said this is reflective of ‘a phasing effect’ on working capital following strong revenue in 4Q.
Last month, the Board informed investors the momentum seen in the second half of the 2021 financial year has continued into 2022 and that the order book for the Company was therefore ‘significantly ahead’ of the same time last year, underpinning its confidence in the year ahead.
Follow News & Updates from Venture Life Group: