Korea Develops Anti-Bacterial Product that Fights H1N1

From: The Chosun Ilbo | Nov. 17, 2009

The demand for antiseptic disinfectants is on the rise as the H1N1 flu virus keeps spreading in most parts of the northern hemisphere.

A team of Korean researchers at the Daedeok Innopolis have created an antiseptic they say is effective in killing 99.8 percent of the H1N1 virus. Researchers say their product comes from natural antibiotic minerals and has a non-alcohol base, unlike similar antiseptics that contain alcohol, making them highly flammable.

Product safety and side effects have been tested and approved by the Korea Testing and Research Institute.

Based on a test provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the product could eliminate almost 100 percent of the H1N1 virus. With the approval of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration last month the antiseptic is expected to be exported to the U.S. and South America.

Makers of the product add the antiseptic is also effective for other viruses such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.