11 Nov 2020 10:59
The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014. Upon the publication of this announcement via the Regulatory Information Service, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.
11 November 2020
Remote Monitored Systems plc ("RMS" or the "Company")
Pharm 2 Farm Update
The Company notes the fast changing situation regarding possible COVID-19 vaccines. The widely reported and very positive interim trial results of a vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech are hugely encouraging and welcomed by everyone. However, the Directors believe that the roll out of a vaccine will not lessen in the near term demand for its developing viricidal mask product. The Directors also note and welcome the new Scientific Brief released yesterday by the US Centre for Disease Control* expanding on the benefits of masks for both the wearer and the community.
Pharm 2 Farm is focusing on bringing its mask to market as soon as possible. The Directors' expectation is that the mask production line will be delivered and installed in its clean room facility at BioCity Nottingham at the end of this month and that production can begin shortly thereafter.
The Company also notes the announcement from Nottingham Trent University issued this morning and reproduces it in its entirety below.
"Scientists develop facemask which can kill viruses on contact
A new antiviral facemask which uses nanotechnology to kill viruses including COVID-19 and influenza has been designed and developed by a Nottingham Trent University scientist. Instead of the usual three-ply design, the five-ply surgical mask includes an additional antiviral inner layer which incorporates nano-copper created using a patented process developed at the university. The copper, which is embedded into the mask material, has ions that are emitted once in contact with a virus and this then creates an interaction with the virus's genetic material causing it to die and stop reproducing. Because they are spherical, nanoparticles have a large surface area making the approach more effective at killing the virus. The antiviral inner layer ensures additional protection for both the wearer and those in proximity.
The mask has been designed by Nottingham Trent University scientist and nanotechnology expert, Dr Gareth Cave, and is now being commercialised by NTU spin out company Pharm2Farm in Nottingham's BioCity.
The company, which was founded by Dr Cave, uses a patented process to produce and functionalise nanoparticles for a range of human, crop and animal health benefits. Tests showed that the masks, which are Type IIR - meaning they offer the highest level of protection and have a filtration efficiency of 99.98% - were highly effective, at killing more than 90% of the influenza and coronavirus over seven hours, and have been certified to ISO 18184 standards. The masks include a fluid-repellent layer on the outside - to reduce inhalation of droplets of saliva and mucus that carry COVID-19 - the antiviral nanotech layer between two filter layers, and a hypoallergenic breathable innermost layer.While current conventional surgical masks block the virus, it can remain on or in the mask while being worn and after it has been disposed of.
The masks are expected to go into production in Nottingham later this month and will be commercially available from December for healthcare, transport and food service settings initially.Despite the additional layer and the antiviral properties, the masks will be in line with current Type IIR mask prices.
"It's exciting to see our technology move forward and make a real impact towards the fight against the spread of COVID-19," said Dr Cave, who is based in Nottingham Trent University's School of Science and Technology. He said: "The mask we've developed has been proven to inactivate viruses upon contact; the antiviral layer kills virus which has been blocked by the filter layers. The challenge with conventional surgical-type masks is that they only block virus from entering or exiting the mask. They don't have an active mechanism for killing it once it's trapped in the mask.
"Our new antiviral mask has been designed to utilise the existing barrier technology and combine it with our nanotechnology to kill the virus once it is trapped there."We've added the barrier layer to both sides of the mask so not only does it protect the wearer but also those around. By killing the virus on contact, it also means that the used face mask can be safely disposed of and not be a potential source of passive transfer."
The masks have been designed and tested following an Innovate UK grant, as part of UK Research and Innovation's response to COVID-19.
ENDS"
Notes:
See https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/more/masking-science-sars-cov2.html
ENQUIRIES:
Remote Monitored Systems plc
Trevor Brown (Executive Director) +41 7941 55384
Paul Ryan (Non-Executive Chairman) +32 475 754 148
SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP +44 20 3470 0470
Nominated Adviser and joint broker
Stuart Gledhill
Caroline Rowe
Peterhouse Capital Limited +44 20 7469 0930
Joint broker
Lucy Williams
Duncan Vasey