SARS-CoV-2 spreads via sputum droplets.We use a specific wave length of UV that reliably kills it at its point of entry into the sputum, while leaving human cells intact, rendering the asymptomatic carrier incapable of transmission, for very little cost <1s. We have partnered with the head of virology at the Ministry of Health at Sheba Medical Center. I am an ME/MD & former NASA scientist, my partner a well published physicist, senior scientist at GE. We anticipate a nonequity grant for $1M in the coming few weeks, and seek investor matching funds in order to accept the grant funds.
Current Status
Research validated concept, need to continue animal and human tissue testing prior to FDA application for clinical use. Approximate timeline to market. 2 years.
The corona virus has made us aware of the dangers of asymptomatic transmission. The long asymptomatic incubation period of the corona virus will inevitably continue to spread the virus until 1. most of the population has been vaccinated or recovered, or 2. we find a way to stop transmission.
Solution (product or service)
We at Viror may have discovered a safe and effective way to eradicate fr om the virus (and antibiotic resistant bacteria) by stopping it from entering into the sputum. Viror uses a UV spectrum at a specific frequency range, that has repeatedly demonstrated deactivation of the virus while leaving human tissue unharmed. Our device is designed to be used at the point of care, immediately after swabbing an individual for testing. It exposes the naso and oropharynx, wh ere the virus is transmitted through the sputum, to a very brief 'zap' of UVC which immediately creates dimers in the DNA of the virus, inactivating it, while leaving human tissues unharmed.
Competitors
There are several application of UVC devices being used to disinfect airplanes, hospitals, and medical equipment. UVC has been successfully used experimentally to heal human tissue on post surgical tissues to both disinfect as well as to hasten wound healing. The discovery in this specific range of UVC as not being pathogenic to human tissue is a very recent discovery, thus currently to the best of our knowledge there are no devices that have been used for in vivo application.
Advantages or differentiators
Well, unfortunately, we are trailblazers in this area. This may be an advantage, but it is certainly a disadvantage. We have extensive animal and human tests that must be performed over the next 2 years before we will begin likely an FDA class III PMA application. However, if this device proves to be safe and effective, there are extensive clinical applications for not just stopping transmission of emerging viruses and the flu, but may also be effective for the common cold and as an alternative or supplementary treatment for antibiotic resistant bacteria.
Finance
Very early. We estimate cost of around $25 to create each device, with the capability of selling it for over $300. However, our primary goal is to ensure the device remains affordable to all communities in need.
Business model
The business model is based on the hardware and a consumable to be marketed B2B to health care institutions and organizations at 75% margin.
Money will be spent on
Non provisional patent, building the device, repeating literature results with our device on in vitro human tissues, animal tests, then human testing (PMA).
Huge. 1. It has not been determined clinically that once eradicated from the pharynx that it will not return. Viruses tend to have an outward spreading pattern, but this does not mean that it may not find its way back to the original receptors expressed on the binding cells of the pharynx. We must verify specific administration methods to ensure eradication from the sputum, and lasting over a duration of time, to ensure the carrier of the virus will not falsely believe they are not spreading the virus when they actually are. 2. Though there is very good reason to believe that UVC (particularly at our given frequency) is not the cuprit for DNA mutation in human cells (cancer), it must be demonstrated conclusively that there is no potential for malignant transformation, and this means extensive and expensive testing procedures.
Incubation/Acceleration programs accomplishment
We have participated in Mass Challenge for another device we are bringing to market to facilitate early detection of breast cancer in the high risk and survivor populations. Our time to market for this device is such that we must bring a more simple device to market earlier to fund the long and cumbersome development process of our breast ultrasound CT system.
Won the competition and other awards
We won Mass Challenge Israel 2018, took first prize for Israel in the WeWork Creator Award 2018, and Winner of the Society for International Development Award for Israel 2020. Currently we are Hello Tomorrow Pioneers and Israel Digital Health finalists awaiting selection.
