In vitro efficacy of a copper iodine complex PPE disinfectant for SARS-CoV-2 inactivation.

Background: The ability to protect workers and healthcare professionals from infection by SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is of great concern. Hospitals, nursing homes and employers are adopting infection control strategies based on guidance from leading public health organizations such as the CDC, OSHA, FDA, and other government bodies. Certain hard surface disinfectants are effective against SARS-CoV-2 but are not suitable for use on skin or personal protective equipment (PPE) that comes into contact with skin. Furthermore, near-ubiquitous alcohol-based hand sanitizers are acceptable for use on skin, but they are not suitable for use on PPE. PPE, especially masks, are also commonly being used for longer durations than normal. There is a need for new products and techniques that can effectively disinfect PPE during wear time without having detrimental effects on surrounding skin. Clyraguard spray is a novel copper iodine complex designed to be used on non-critical PPE. Methods: In this study, the Clyraguard copper iodine complex was tested for its ability to inactivate SARS-CoV-2 in solution. Results: These data indicate the product to be effective in reducing SARS-CoV-2 titers in a time-dependent manner, with the virus being reduced below the detection limits within 30 minutes. Conclusions: These results suggest that Clyraguard may be an effective tool for mitigating cross-contamination of non-critical PPE that may come into contact with SARS-CoV-2.
Competing Interests: Competing interests: Studies conducted in the laboratory of Dr. Slobodan Paessler at Galveston National Laboratory at the University of Texas Medical Branch described herein were funded by Clyra Medical Technologies, Inc., who developed and manufactures Clyraguard, and were requested to be conducted by Clyra Medical Technologies, Inc. Clyra staff who are listed as authors on this paper do not themselves have any financial commitments to the research described herein, but are employed as staff or consultants by Clyra.
(Copyright: © 2020 Mantlo E et al.)