2009-07-22

By Editor, CIR

The debate surrounding the efficacy of masks against virus transmission continues, with the development of a new anti-viral face mask from pharma giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).

Actiprotect is a new disposable respirator mask featuring an antivrial coating, helping to protect the wearer from exposure to airborne particles during seasonal influenza A or an influenza A pandemic virus by reducing the passage of the virus through the mask and inactivating the virus on contact with the mask coating.

Although Actiprotect has not been tested against the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 strain, the mask has been shown to inactivate all influenza virus strains that it was tested against including previous strains of H1N1, H5N1, H5N9, H2N2, H3N2, and an influenza B strain.

The new mask has been approved for use in Europe and certain international markets and last month was approved for occupational use in the USA by the FDA. The mask has also been certified as an N95 respirator (filters at least 95% of airborne particles) by the US National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health.

GSK currently has a limited manufacturing capacity for Actiprotect, but is seeking additional manufacturing capability through discussion with outside firms. The company has agreements with several countries to supply the masks.

Meanwhile the pharma giant continues its research and development of an A(H1N1) adjuvanted influenza vaccine following receipt of the virus in May.

GSK already manufactures Relenza (zanamivir).

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