Mask to protect against airborne pathogens wins innovation award

The developers of a medical device that protects individuals from airborne pathogens has won an award for its innovative concept.

Medi-Immune began developing the Inocul-Air concept in 2008 with the idea of protecting people from short term dangers of all airborne pathogens. The device would also simultaneously activate the individual’s immune system as a way to ‘vaccinate’ them.

The company built prototype devices and tested them with Public Health England to great results. The device contains a compact and portable filter free sterilisation chamber, which the developers state will be classified as personal protective equipment and as a medical device. The technology will be combined with flexible tubing linking it to a face mask or other equipment.

Medi-Immune state that Inocul-Air is designed to protect and immunise people from the outset of a pandemics outbreak. It can also protect people who are immune-compromised or have respiratory diseases.

The company was announced as the winner of the One Nucleus BioNewsRound Award at the Genesis 2017 in London.

Speaking about the award, James Love of Medi-Immune, said: “We were delighted to win the 2017 Genesis BioNews-Round Award and are so grateful to One Nucleus, all those who voted for us, and to Public Health England, Porton Down for their unstinting support. Our team has devised a solution to the greatest current threat to mankind. This award validates the huge health and economic benefits that Medi-Immune’s technology can bring, not only to the Life Science and Healthcare sectors but also to the wider world in the fight to gain immediate and longer-term protection against all airborne pathogens. We believe that publication of our story, through this Award, will attract the interest of those company.”

Tony Jones, CEO One Nucleus commented “The high quality and diversity of entries in the Genesis 2017 BioNewsRound Award I feel reflected the growing convergence and progress that is happening as global health challenges are being addressed. I am delighted to see Medi-Immune win the award and receiving due recognition for an innovative solution to a major problem that is driven by the passion of the inventors”