Applied Nanoscience Inc. (ANI) (PINKSHEETS: APNN), a nanotechnology-based filtration development company, today announced it has reached a joint venture agreement to begin production on a disposable protective face mask with its Asia Pacific region partner. The protective mask will incorporate ANI's proprietary NanoFense™ technology, a U.S. patent pending antimicrobial nanoparticle formulation. When tested as a "coating" on disposable face masks, it has been validated to be effective against a broad spectrum of virus and bacteria by multiple independent BSL- 3 laboratories in the United States.
ANI will be testing the NanoFense formulation against H1N1 but with the mask already proven to eradicate three influenza strains to include avian influenza, the company expects to see similarly high efficacy.
The companies have clearly defined the commercial relationship required and to be implemented in the execution of a product launch to non-U.S. markets for the NanoFense Protective Face Mask. Initial production will be 30,000 masks/day with the capability of increasing up to 90,000 masks/day on newly installed automatic equipment which operates 7 days a week. ANI will supply the NanoFense formulation premixed under their label.
"We are very encouraged at the progress made with our new partner on this important project. They have requested anonymity until all formal product launch efforts are in place with customer support being our collective #1 priority. Their established customer base and solid reputation in the surgical/protective mask markets throughout the Asia Pacific region and Europe requires appropriate planning, especially at a time when people are in such need for a product to protect themselves and their families," stated Thomas K. Allen, President and CEO, ANI.