We are pleased to have one of the most established, innovative soap companies in the United States working with us to bring safe, effective antimicrobial products to market.
Fayettevlle, Ark. (PRWEB) May 22, 2014
TiFiber, Inc. recently announced it has exclusively licensed and is further developing technology from the University of Auckland and its commercialization company, Auckland UniServices Limited in New Zealand. The technology consists of a family of synthetic, antimicrobial polymers (AMPs) with potent, broad-spectrum activity towards both bacteria and fungi.
An especially attractive characteristic of these new compounds is that although they exhibit strong antimicrobial activity, they are also biocompatible and safe for mammalian cells. AMP compounds quickly kill bacteria including E. coli, S. epidemidis, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus (including MRSA), among others, and contain no metals or halogens. Because AMP technology kills both physically and metabolically, there is a very low probability of microorganisms forming resistance.
There has been growing concern in the U.S. for several years about the use of anti-bacterial soaps, body washes, and other products. A large number of these products contain either triclosan or triclocarban as the active ingredient. According to certain groups, triclosan has been shown in animal research to alter hormone regulation, and may also contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. Due to these concerns, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are collaborating to review the long-term effects of triclosan and update its assessment on human and environmental health. The FDA’s focus is on the regular use of hand soaps and body washes containing triclosan.
A codevelopment agreement has been established with Bradford Soap Works, headquartered in West Warwick, Rhode Island, for use of TiFiber’s AMP formulation in bar soap products. Founded in 1876, the company is the world’s leading manufacturer of bar soaps, and offers a broad range of liquid soaps, lotions, specialty chemicals, and bath accessories. Bradford’s development laboratories provide custom formulations, product development, and testing services.
TiFiber and Bradford researchers are currently codeveloping new soap formulations using TiFiber’s AMP technology as a replacement for triclosan, triclocarban, and other existing antimicrobial compounds in personal care products that Bradford manufactures for multiple large consumer packaged goods companies.
“We are pleased to have one of the most established, innovative soap companies in the United States working with us to bring safe, effective antimicrobial products to market,” said Dr. Mike Rutherford, Chief Scientist of TiFiber. “We believe we are just beginning to discover the major, positive impacts TiFiber’s antimicrobial polymers can have to improve the safety and efficacy of products all of us use every day. Bradford’s proactive, scientific approach is exactly what we were seeking in a development partner.”
"Bradford is very excited to partner with an innovative company like TiFiber, a company on the forefront of high-performance ingredients," said Chris Buckley, Executive Vice President of Business Development. “Antibacterial soaps represent a significant segment of the soap market. Bradford is working to ensure that our customers have a viable alternative to triclosan and triclocarban should the FDA rule against their usage.”
Potential uses of TiFiber’s AMP technology include soaps, wound care (acute and chronic wounds), medical devices (biofilm protection), cosmetic preservatives, dental composites, textiles, surgical hand cleaners, antimicrobial plastic additives, and anti-static additive. Initial development work has been supported by a combination of private investment and economic development incentives from the State of Arkansas. “TiFiber has a bright future and the likelihood of creating numerous science and engineering jobs in Arkansas,” said Dr. Calvin Goforth, interim CEO of TiFiber. “Financing and tax credits available from the Arkansas Science and Technology Authority, the Arkansas Development Finance Authority, and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, that are targeted to help create these types of jobs in Arkansas, played a critical role in the launch of TiFiber and the rapid progress the company has already made.”
TiFiber, Inc.™ is developing new, high performance materials and products for control of dangerous or detrimental microorganisms including development of a biocompatible, broad spectrum, antimicrobial additive for the replacement of triclosan, nanosilver, and other currently available antimicrobial agents. Initial applications are for personal care products, wound care dressings, medical devices and textiles. This innovative technology provides numerous advantages over currently available products while providing a competitive price point. TiFiber is a VIC Technology Venture Development™ portfolio company.
Bradford Soap Works is an innovative global resource for personal care products. Bradford is the world’s leading manufacturer of specialty bar soaps and shower poufs. The company also offers a broad range of liquid soaps, lotions, bath accessories and specialty chemicals. Bradford’s state-of-the-art development laboratories provide custom formulations, product development and testing services. Headquartered in Rhode Island, the company also has facilities in Indiana, California and Mexicali, Mexico.
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