Founder & CEO Athena Vector Technology LLC, Georgia, United States
Abstract: More than a decade ago, researchers discovered that perlite, a natural amorphous silica, can effectively control disease-carrying insect populations through a non-toxic, environmentally friendly mechanical mode of action. Today, this breakthrough is finally poised to drive significant advancements in integrated vector management.
With a physical mode of action (IRAC UNM pending registration), perlite offers a novel solution to combat insecticide resistance while minimizing environmental impact. Formulated as a wettable powder, this 100% perlite-based active ingredient is designed for use as a residual spray.
Initially developed for mosquito control, subsequent research has demonstrated perlite’s efficacy against multiple species of flies and ticks. It is also non-toxic to bees. A WHO Prequalification (PQ) Health Assessment concluded that perlite poses no physical or chemical hazards to human health or the environment when used as directed. WHO PQ will support the prequalification of a perlite active ingredient.
Regulatory approval remains the final hurdle to commercialization and widespread deployment in organized vector control campaigns and community-based initiatives. Community-based indoor residual spray (IRS) programs could significantly reduce the cost of malaria interventions in Africa. Perlite can also be applied as a targeted outdoor residual spray (ORS) to combat outdoor-biting mosquitoes. These targeted IRS/ORS strategies offer promising solutions for dengue control in underserved populations.
Mosquito efficacy data supporting EPA registration, along with long-term residual efficacy results from a community-based IRS trial, will be presented. EPA registration is currently supported by a Deployed Warfighter Protection (DWFP) grant, which facilitates the commercialization and deployment of perlite as a disruptive innovation in vector control.
