1 July 2020 - - Malaysia-based Laboratory testing completed at the Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Center (TIDREC) at the University of Malaya, Malaysia, has confirmed the effectiveness of Betadine Gargle and Mouthwash against the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) which causes COVID-19 disease, the organisation said.

Betadine is manufactured and distributed in Malaysia by Mundipharma.

Betadine Gargle and Mouthwash was tested for virucidal activity in two concentrations, undiluted (PVP-I 1% w/v) and at a 1:2 dilution (PVP-I 0.5% w/v) under established European (EN14476) methodology and standards.

The testing demonstrated strong in-vitro virucidal activity, with the tested products killing 99.99% of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in just 15 seconds.

The TIDREC research has been accepted by the British Dental Journal and was published as a Letter on 26 June 2020.

The journal is published by Springer Nature on behalf of the British Dental Association.

Previously, Betadine antiseptic products containing Povidone-iodine (PVP-I) have been proven effective against a wide range of viruses, including coronaviruses that have caused major outbreaks such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.

The Betadine antiseptic range contains Povidone-iodine (PVP-I), which is effective against a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi and is typically used in hospitals and homes.

TIDREC serves as a focal point for national and international collaborative research for academic institutions and research industries in Malaysia.

TIDREC also emphasizes on education and development of human skills. By advocating safe laboratory science, TIDREC aspires to be an internationally recognized centre of excellence in tropical infectious diseases research and education that serves the health needs of global communities.

TIDREC was the first research centre in the country to install fully certified modular biosafety level 2 and 3 laboratories for research involving highly virulent pathogens.

TIDREC is also the only centre currently operating a mock biosafety level 3 training facility. The centre also houses the WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus Reference and Research. The centre offer services such as drug screening, validation test for diagnostic kits and research collaboration on vector-borne diseases.

TIDREC mission is to advance knowledge by focusing on research in neglected tropical infectious diseases that have a potential impact on the global community.