Unilever Mouthwash contains technology now proven to

 Unilever Mouthwash contains technology now proven to help reduce viral load of SARS-CoV-2 virus by 99.9%

• New in vitro test results show that a mouthwash from Unilever containing CPC Technology is effective in reducing SARS-CoV-2 viral load by 99.9%. This test was conducted by an independent and internationally accredited testing facility, Microbac Laboratories, on behalf of Unilever Research Laboratories
• The preliminary test results show that using mouthwashes with CPC Technology could have an important role as a preventative measure to reduce viral transmission of COVID-19, in addition to preventing many other oral diseases and problems when used as directed on pack.
• CPC Technology is already used widely by the dental industry and is known for its anti-virus properties.

“While we are clear that this is not a cure or proven way to prevent the transmission of corona virus, our results are very promising, and given the critical stage of the pandemic we feel it is important to share them so that people are aware of the potential benefits of our mouthwash containing CPC technology alongside other preventative measures.”

Glyn Roberts PhD, Head of Unilever Oral Care Research and Development

• Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) is working on bringing this technology to India in December 2020 and will launch it under Pepsodent Germicheck Mouth Rinse Liquid.

Unilever has confirmed that preliminary lab test results, show that mouthwash formulation containing CPC Technology, reduces 99.9% of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, after 30 seconds of rinsing². This technology will be brought to India by Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) in Pepsodent Germicheck Mouth Rinse Liquid, which will launch in India in December 2020.

The preliminary test results on SARS-CoV-2 build on existing Unilever research published on the biology research platform bioRxiv [https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.10.28.359257v1], and follow ongoing discussions in the global medical and scientific community around the potential use of mouthwash as an additional measure to reduce the transmission of the virus. Research into the duration of the effect continues, but a previous study on a small group of patients infected with COVID-19 suggest that viral load – the amount of virus particles a person is carrying may be reduced in the mouth for up to six hours with mouthwashes containing CPC Technology.

These preliminary test results showing the efficacy of CPC Technology against the SARS-CoV-2 virus are the latest in a large range of studies that are evaluating the efficacy of mouthwash technology against a number of viruses.  In the tests Unilever has done, only CPC Technology has to date shown consistent, positive results. 

The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose, which has been detected before, during, and after the acute phase of illness, as well as in asymptomatic cases. Therefore, reducing the viral load in the mouth could help to reduce transmission. The findings indicate that mouthwash could become an important addition to other everyday protective measures like handwashing, physical distancing and mask wearing.

 

Madalasa Srivastava, Head, R&D, Oral Care South Asia,  says, “The results of the study are a promising step on our journey to understanding how mouthwashes could help reduce the spread of coronavirus alongside other preventative measures. Although our research is ongoing, we are sharing the results now so people can consider introducing a CPC-based mouthwash, such as Pepsodent Germicheck Mouth Rinse Liquid, into their daily routine. This will be an additional effort in HUL’s pursuit to serve our consumers during the pandemic.”

Dr. Ashok D. Dhoble, Hon. Secretary General of the Indian Dental Association, and an expert in oral health says, “It is welcome news indeed that a Mouthwash with CPC Technology could potentially have a role to play in our fight against COVID-19. Given the new promising in vitro research from Unilever on  the viral efficacy of the mouthwash on SARS-CoV-2, I believe that the use of mouthwashes containing CPC Technology must be encouraged amongst the general public as it may have the potential to help reduce transmission.  Even as we wait for further evidence from clinical studies, I would encourage people to make Mouthwash with CPC Technology a part of their daily hygiene routine, in addition to other protective measures such as the wearing of masks, frequent washing of hands with soap and water, and social distancing. The Indian Dental Association (IDA) recognises the importance of this mouthwash technology from Unilever as it will help to protect the public in the current pandemic.”