Director, Technical Services Cosmetics Susonity, North Carolina, United States
Abstract: More than 200 million cases of malaria with over 400,000 related deaths occur every year. Indiscriminate use of insecticides including DDT/Pyrethroids is selecting for resistant mosquitos. With increased levels of pesticide resistant mosquitos there is a need for new solutions to improve the efficiency of insect repellants, caused by the changing behaviors of mosquitos. A recent study in Ghana indicated that an increase in early evening outdoor biting insects is resulting in potential of reduced efficacy of insecticide-treated bed-nets for preventing mosquito borne disease. Vector control experts note that personal mosquito repellents are thought to be inconclusive in preventing disease because people do not like the current mosquito repellant options and tend not to follow application instructions when used daily. In response to these challenges Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany participated in “As One Against Malaria,” a campaign to develop new drugs to prevent infection, test and treat patients, block transmission of malaria from and to the mosquito. Launched in 2017, the company joined the Global Health Institute with the aim to support control, prevention and elimination of disease including schistosomiasis and malaria, diseases that take a major toll on the most vulnerable populations, children and women. In collaboration with a US biotechnology start-up LivFul, Merck’s KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany IR3535® a DEET-free insect repellant was used to develop an innovative mosquito repellent with StayTec™ technology. StayTec™ is a micro-encapsulated polymeric shell that slowly releases IR3535® via a reduced evaporation rate while retaining the repellent on the skin. StayTec™ with 20% IR3535® reduced mosquito landings by 98%. The STAYTEC™ formulation showed a 98 % reduction in mosquito landing rates over a 9-h period protection against Anopheles gambiae and other mosquito species. Repellent rates were comparable to 25% DEET treatment repelling mosquitos in two rural communities in Ghana.
