OXAFENCE ACTIVE PROTECTION HAS ARRIVED

New Technology Provides Ongoing Inactivation

We will continue to face ongoing pathogenic threats, including COVID variants, Flu, and other respiratory viruses. Masks are considered a first line of defence, but most masks were designed for filtration and fluid resistance – they weren’t designed to inactivate pathogens. Viruses like SARS-CoV-2 can survive on masks for seven days^. We believe masks should kill viruses, not just shield or trap them.

That’s where Oxafence comes in. It’s an extra level of protection –Active Protection – that kills viruses* while masks are being worn.

A Novel Application of Proven Science

Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, Singletto Co-Founder and Chief Scientific Officer Dr James Chen hypothesized that Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) methods could be deployed for mask and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) decontamination. PDT has long been deployed medically to treat cancer and skin diseases and Chen, a neurosurgeon, has spent thirty years in the research and application of such. Dr Chen and I approached global health leaders who initiated worldwide research to confirm his theory. The research team was assembled by the World Health Organization (WHO) COVID-19 Task Force and included 52 global researchers from 13 institutions, including Dr Chen, Singletto Virologist Dr Mores, and myself. The “Development of Methods for Mask and N95 Decontamination” (DeMaND) study demonstrated how Methylene Blue, a protective dye, could inactivate SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19 disease) on masks via Antimicrobial Photodynamic Inactivation (aPDI). Not only was the method effective for decontamination, but it was also effective as a pre-treatment method providing ongoing inactivation of viruses. This work and many follow-on studies have been peer-reviewed and published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology (May 2021) and The American Journal of Infection Prevention (August 2022).

Oxafence Active Protection Technology

Singletto further develops this aPDI technology to address the many unmet needs of medical, dental, and frontline workers. Singletto’s Oxafence Active Protection technology can be applied to or impregnated in commonly used materials and fabrics to provide an antiviral effect. Our first product – Oxafence Mask Spray – provides fast-acting and long-lasting protection from SARS-CoV-2 and H1N1 on masks. Upon application to the outer layer of a surgical, procedure, or medical mask, Oxafence Mask Spray begins working immediately and will inactivate 99.9% of SARS-CoV-2 and 95% of H1N1 in 30 minutes. And though we recommend changing masks often according to

Infection Prevention and Control and mask manufacturer guidelines, the added protection of Oxafence is laboratory-verified to inactivate pathogens for 24 hours. So, whether you’re wearing a mask for minutes or hours, Oxafence adds a protective barrier of Active Protection.

How Oxafence Mask Spray Works

Much like Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) deploys light, oxygen, and colourants/dyes to treat and cure diseases, Oxafence Mask Spray deploys the protective dye Methylene Blue to induce Antimicrobial Photodynamic Inactivation (aPDI). Methylene Blue is listed as an essential medicine by the WHO and is commonly used in healthcare. When applied to the fibres on a mask’s outer layer, these protective dyes in Oxafence absorb and transfer the energy from ambient light to the oxygen in the air, thereby generating singlet oxygen. Singlet oxygen creates a forcefield of protection on the mask’s surface. If SARS-CoV-2 or H1N1 approaches the mask, the singlet oxygen destroys it by disrupting its RNA, DNA, proteins, and outer viral shells. One application (12 sprays) of Oxafence Mask Spray provides ongoing protection by constantly generating singlet oxygen.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and through the hard flu season, health, dental, and medical workers have navigated safety concerns, faced increased anxiety, and struggled with burnout. We hope Oxafence Mask Spray provides an additional layer of comfort and confidence – no matter what’s ahead. Active Protection has arrived.

For more information or to order Oxafence Mask Spray, please contact your Henry Schein Territory Manager or visit the Henry Schein Webshop. The Oxafence technology is currently being developed for additional products, including pre-impregnated masks. Stay tuned for future product announcements.

Footnote: Information may not be applicable to countries outside of New Zealand, nor may products marketed in New Zealand necessarily be available in other countries. This does not constitute promotion of products outside New Zealand. | ^Chin et al. (The Lancet, 2020) | *Tested against SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza A/ H1N1 in vitro in ~500-700 lux. Any clinical event has not been evaluated. | www.Singletto.com | www.OxafenceNZ.com

DR TOM LENDVAY Singletto Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer | Surgeon, Professor, Entrepreneur