Nano Mask, Inc. (formerly
Emergency Filtration Products, Inc.) announced that Nano Mask Inc. and Intrinsiq
Materials, a private materials technology development company focused on health
and wellness-related markets, will collaborate on development of an anti-viral,
disposable version of the NanoMask, a protective filtration face mask.
The companies hope testing can be completed within 45 days. Following successful
testing, the companies will begin accepting inquiries from customers as early
as October 2009 for non-U.S. markets.
Nano Mask expects to manufacture its mask in the United States and is currently
working with a large mask manufacturer to implement this plan. The company will
also seek regulatory approval to make the product available in the United States
as soon as possible.
Intrinsiq Materials is incorporating its antimicrobial particle technology
into the NanoMask and will conduct studies to determine effectiveness against
pathogens such as H1NI (swine influenza), H5N1 (avian influenza) and two bacteria.
"We are delighted to be working with Nano Mask to develop this important
product," stated Joe Raguso, CEO and President of Intrinsiq Materials,
Ltd. "Our technology has demonstrated industry-leading efficacy against
a broad range of viral and bacterial pathogens, and developing more effective
face masks will be an important tool to help control the current H1N1 pandemic."
"We are pleased with the progress that Intrinsiq has achieved in the testing
and development of our new disposable, anti-microbial NanoMask," said Doug
Heath, President and CEO, Nano Mask. "We hope that Intrinisiq's comprehensive
design and testing approach will result in a product that will have superior
performance characteristics that will enable us to penetrate what we believe
is a large potential market."