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- Perth-based biotech specialist Holista Colltech (HCT) has announced a new anti-viral nasal balm
- Making the most of its time in the spotlight with the spreading coronavirus, the company said the product should be available by the end of July
- The nasal balm with use the same Path-Away antiviral compound found in the company’s NatShield Sanitiser spray, which sold out in Malaysia last month
- Holista said nasal protection is the best way to keep viruses out of the human body
- Holista’s shares have gained just over six per cent today, currently trading for almost 10 cents each
Perth-based biotech company Holista Colltech (HCT) is making the most of its time in the spotlight by announcing a new anti-viral nasal balm.
The company spiked in mid-January as the coronavirus outbreak caused a surge in demand for its NatShield Sanitiser spray in Kuala Lumpur. In January, the company completely sold out of the disinfectant spray in the Malaysian capital and announced plans to ship off 60,000 extra bottles to keep up with demand.
Today, Holista Colltech told shareholders it is speeding up the development of a nasal balm version of NatShield which contains the same Path-Away antimicrobial compound as the sanitiser spray.
The company said a global patent will be filed by as early as the end of March 2020, and the product will be available by the end of July if everything goes according to plan.
Why the nose?
According to Holista, nose protection is the most effective method of keeping viruses out of your body.
The company explained in its announcement to shareholders that other entry points — namely the mouth and eyes — already have some strong natural antiviral protection in the form of salivary enzymes and enzymes found in tears.
The nose, however, is damp, dark, and rich in fatty and amino acids, making it an inviting entryway for nasty viruses that then have direct access to the sinuses, throat, and lungs.
“While masks offer some protection, keeping the hand clean and away from the nose is far more important. Sanitisation and frequent hand washing are key,” Holista CEO Dr Rajen Manicka said.
However, most hand sanitisers have strong levels of alcohol or other toxic chemicals, he explained.
“Path-Away is non-irritant, it will easily and safely go into the nose and if formulated as a balm can stay in the nose for up to six hours,” Dr Rajen said.
Path-Away is plant-based and works by weakening a virus’ cell walls. This makes the cells of the virus clump together and kill themselves almost instantaneously.
Spreading virus, rising sales
The coronavirus has continued to spread and has currently infected almost 28,000 people in 28 different countries. 563 people have died.
While the virus devastates lives and stocks across the globe, it bodes well for companies within the health care sector. Holista told investors today the entire new 60,000-bottle shipment has already been sold in Malaysia, with new inquiries and orders being received daily.
Holista’s shares have gained 6.45 per cent today, and are currently trading for 9.9 cents each. The company has a $23.21 million market cap.
