KUALA LUMPUR: Laboratory testing completed at the Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre (Tidrec) at the University of Malaya, Malaysia, has confirmed the effectiveness of Betadine Gargle and Mouthwash against the novel coronavirus (SARS – Co V- 2) which causes Covid-19 disease. Betadine is manufactured and distributed in Malaysia by Mundipharma.
Betadine Gargle and Mouthwash was tested for virucidal activity in two concentrations, undiluted (PVP -I 1% w/v) and at a 1: 2 dilution (PVP – I 0. 5% w/ v) under established European (EN14476) methodology and standard s. The testing demonstrated strong in – vitro virucidal activity, with the tested products killing 99. 99 percent of the SARS- CoV- 2 virus in just 15 seconds, a press statement said yesterday.
The Tidrec research has been accepted by the British Dental Journal (BDJ) and was published as a letter on June 26 2020. The journal was published by Springer Nature on behalf of the British Dental Association.
“Laboratory testing has shown that Betadine Gargle and Mouthwash is effective against Covid-19 and could contribute to our ongoing efforts to keep people and communities safe,” said Dr Pouya Hassandarvish, the lead investigator of the study and the postdoctoral fellow researcher at Tidrec, University of Malaya.
“These results confirm our view that Betadine Gargle and Mouthwash, used appropriately and in conjunction with other preventative treatment options including PPE, could play a role in limiting the spread of infections, including Covid-19,” said Raman Singh, Mundipharma CEO.
“It also provides the medical and dental community with a science- based assurance that they are using a product that is specifically studied against Covid-19, he added.”
Previously, Betadine antiseptic products containing Povidone- iodine (PVP- I) have been proven effective against a wide range of viruses, the statement concluded.
