PHARM2FARM
11.3.2021 10:32:12 CET | Business Wire | Press release
A new anti-viral mask which kills 99.9% of Covid-19 virus within five minutes of contact has been launched today – offering an unparalleled level of protection against viruses not just for those around them but for the wearer too.
Aimed at all types of industry, from hospital and care homes, to schools, to the retail & leisure industries, Pro-Larva differs from conventional masks because, as well as protecting those around the wearer, it protects the wearer themselves, using revolutionary copper nanoparticle technology developed here in the UK.
Antony Legge, Chairman of the parent company Pharm2Farm explains: “Conventional surgical-type TR2 masks only block virus from exiting the mask – they don’t have an active mechanism for killing it once it’s trapped in the mask. Pro-Larva has been designed to use existing barrier technology but also to combine it with α-virion™, a copper nanoparticle technology that kills 99.9% of the virus once it is trapped in the mask.”
This viricidal layer is effective for up to seven hours. Current surgical masks are only effective for around two hours, which requires health care professionals in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) to wear between 4-10 masks per day.
Because of Pro-Larva’s longer effective life this greatly reduces the number of masks required, therefore reducing costs for the hospital or care home. Pro-Larva is also self-sterilising – killing Covid-19 on contact means there is no infection risk from discarded masks after use, removing any potential biohazard.
The effectiveness of the mask against the coronavirus and Influenza has been tested by an independent laboratory and a leading UK university. It has also received European regulatory approval and carries a CE mark, meaning it has been independently reviewed.
The Pro-Larva idea was developed by scientists at Pharm2Farm led by Dr Gareth Cave. Pharm2Farm recently installed a face mask production line in Nottingham, UK and are working with European and global face mask manufacturers to scale-up the supply of Pro-Larva to meet demand.
Dr Gareth Cave, founder of the technology and Pharm2Farm, added: “Helping healthcare professionals protect themselves, their co-workers and patients is very important, and we are keen to support the NHS. However, there are many other categories of frontline workers we are looking to engage with – from schools to care home workers, to the retail and leisure industries – who could benefit from this next generation mask.”
-Ends-
Notes to Editors
About Pharm2Farm
Pharm2Farm is a VC backed Nottingham Trent University spin-out which provides advanced nanoparticle-based solutions for plant, animal and human care through a patented novel production process. For more information, please visit the website: www.pharm2farm.org
About the Pro-Larva mask
The 4 ply anti-viral disposable medical mask from Pharm2Farm Ltd is proven to kill up to 99.9% of coronaviruses and 90% of influenza for up to 7 hours. The mask is splash resistant with a melt blown filter and hypoallergenic layers and uses Pharm2Farm’s proprietary α-virion™ virucidal technology, featuring copper nanoparticles. The Pro-Larva mask is CE marked and its α-virion™ layer has been certified to ISO 18184 standards. ISO 18184 is a standard protocol to quantify the antiviral properties of textile materials. For more information about Pro-Larva mask, its features and suppliers, please visit: https://pro-larva.com/
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210311005101/en/
Link:
About Business Wire
Subscribe to releases from Business Wire
Subscribe to all the latest releases from Business Wire by registering your e-mail address below. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Latest releases from Business Wire
First Guests Arrive at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Red Sea at Shura Island from 20 May, as Red Sea Global Launches First JV Resort18.5.2026 20:06:00 CEST | Press release
RSG and Kingdom Holding Company bring first joint venture-developed resort at The Red Sea to market Red Sea Global (RSG), the regenerative tourism developer, has reached a major milestone as Four Seasons Resort and Residences Red Sea at Shura Island welcomes first guests from 20 May, marking the first joint venture-developed resort within its portfolio to enter the market. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260518349628/en/ An aerial view of Four Seasons Resort and Residences at Shura Island, set along the shoreline with clear views of the Red Sea. Developed in partnership with Kingdom Holding Company (KHC), the launch represents a shared milestone for both organizations and marks a new phase in RSG’s development model, highlighting the growing role of institutional and private sector partnerships in scaling Saudi Arabia’s luxury tourism sector. “With Four Seasons preparing to welcome guests, we are significantly
Belkin Advances Towards Carbon Neutrality in Scope 3 Emissions18.5.2026 18:10:00 CEST | Press release
The company’s 2025 Impact Report highlights its continued progress in emissions reduction, circular design, and responsible packaging Belkin, a leading consumer electronics brand for 40 years, published its 2025 Impact Report, highlighting key achievements and reaffirming its commitment to corporate responsibility. Having achieved carbon neutrality in scope 1 and scope 2 emissions in 2025, the company continues to advance toward scope 3 carbon neutrality through enhanced life cycle assessment capabilities and improved supplier and logistics data collection. In 2025, Belkin calculated 131 product carbon footprints across its portfolio, surpassed 21.6 million PCR products sold, and has achieved a 95% reduction in single-use plastic packaging since 2019, reflecting continued progress in carbon reduction and responsible product design. “As we continue to make progress against our sustainability goals, we are taking deliberate steps to reduce our impact,” said Steven Malony, CEO of Belkin.
Infobip Named a Leader in the 2026 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Communications Platform as a Service18.5.2026 16:25:00 CEST | Press release
Recognized for Completeness of Vision and Ability to Execute Infobip is excited to share that global AI-first cloud communications platform Infobip has been recognized as a Leader in the 2026 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Communications Platform as a Service. Check back for a complimentary copy of the full report soon! In Infobip’s view, this recognition reflects what the company has spent 20 years building: a communications platform that stays focused on what customers actually need and evolves as markets change. Infobip believes that recognition in a fast-moving market comes not from chasing trends, but from disciplined execution and a clear long-term vision. As Infobip marks its 20th year of operations, the company thinks the shift to agentic AI represents the most significant transformation in customer communications in our history. Infobip believes enterprises need a partner that empowers them to move from campaigns and rigid workflows to autonomous, goal-driven interactions, while r
Seoul Design Foundation Announces ‘Seoul Design AI Film Festival’ Call for Entries18.5.2026 16:00:00 CEST | Press release
Transforming DDP’s 222m Facade into a Global Canvas for AI Creators The Seoul Design Foundation (CEO Cha Kang Heui) is inviting visionaries worldwide to the Seoul Design AI Film Festival (SDAFF). This global competition aims to redefine the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)—the world’s largest atypical architecture—as a premier destination for AI-driven media art. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260518044745/en/ An official poster for Seoul Design AI Film Festival (Image: Seoul Design Foundation) The DDP’s 222-meter curved exterior wall, a Guinness World Record holder for the "World's Largest 3D Mapping on an Atypical Building," will serve as the digital canvas for the winners. ‘Seoul Light DDP’ has already achieved global acclaim by winning the world’s top three design awards: iF, Red Dot, and IDEA. Bridging AI Technology and K-Culture The festival seeks high-quality video works that blend artistic inspiration wi
SERI Lugano Launches International Scientific Outreach Initiative on Light-Based Neuroscience and Pineal Gland Research18.5.2026 15:38:00 CEST | Press release
Researchers and clinicians from Switzerland expand interdisciplinary communication efforts integrating neuroscience, photobiomodulation, infrasound, and nutraceutical research As scientific interest in light-based stimulation, neuroendocrine regulation, and integrative medicine continues to grow internationally, the Switzerland Eye Research Institute (SERI Lugano) has launched a new international scientific outreach initiative focused on public engagement and interdisciplinary research communication in neuroscience and cellular modulation. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260515840289/en/ Ophthalmologist Roberto Pinelli explains, in an engaging personal narrative style, his unique methods for using a combination of light, sound, and nutraceuticals to non-invasively activate the pineal gland to promote cellular rejuvenation, decrease aging, and improve overall well-being. Supported by case studies and peer-revi
In our pressroom you can read all our latest releases, find our press contacts, images, documents and other relevant information about us.
Visit our pressroom