Kraton’s BIAXAM kills up to 99.99% of microbes including SARS-CoV-2

Kraton Corporation, a leading global producer of specialty polymers and high-value bio-based products, is seeking regulatory approval for BIAXAM, a novel sulfonated polymer technology with long-lasting self-disinfecting properties that has been demonstrated in studies to quickly inactivate up to 99.99% of SARS-CoV-2 (virus that causes COVID-19) and other microbes.

Kraton developed the BIAXAM technology as part of its sulfonated polymer product line and plans to expand product testing and seek regulatory approval for use as a durable, long-lasting disinfectant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)..

The efficacy of Kraton's BIAXAM technology has been thoroughly studied by renowned organizations. The testing performed at the UTMB and Boston University BSL-4 laboratories has demonstrated BIAXAM to be effective against SARS-CoV-2 and other microbes. 

Depending on the regulatory approval process or certification requirements by country, Kraton believes that BIAXAM could be used as a coating on PPE and a variety of high-contact surfaces. Additionally, it could be used as a replaceable peel-and-stick film for a broad range of applications including medical, textiles, building and construction, and packaging. 

SVP and CTO Dr Vijay Mhetar said: "BIAXAM offers rapid and long-lasting performance, unlike current disinfectant offerings that are only effective immediately or require periodic treatment or re-application. Currently there are no EPA-approved long-lasting disinfectants, so this technology is truly extraordinary. We believe the EPA would approve BIAXAM for the US market and allow us to market the solution due to the novel anti-microbial properties it has demonstrated."

The BIAXAM technology is patent-pending and will be commercially available shortly. For the US market, until EPA approval is obtained, BIAXAM cannot be sold, marketed or distributed as components of products that kill or repel or claim to kill or repel microbes such as virus, bacteria or mold.

President and CEO Kevin M. Fogarty added: "We've been developing this technology for some time for other applications, but the recent pandemic has led to an urgent and high demand for anti-microbial materials. We are excited about the possibility of bringing this innovation to market. We are currently conducting discussions with a number of possible development partners to explore potential applications."