Lab tests confirm Closys Oral Rinse eliminates COVID-19 virus by up to 98.4% in 30 seconds

Press release

Rowpar Pharmaceuticals Inc., the makers of the Closys brand of toothpastes, mouthwashes, and oral sprays, announced Monday that an in vitro laboratory analysis showed that Closys Ultra Sensitive Oral Rinse reduced SARS-CoV-2 up to 98.4% within 30 seconds. The product does not use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or povidone iodine.

The study of Closys Ultra Sensitive Oral Rinse was conducted at MRI Global, an independent laboratory in Kansas City, Missouri, that is accredited to test highly infectious viruses like SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. A second independent accredited lab, Microbac Laboratories Inc. in Sterling, Virginia, provided similar results. The studies can be found at closys.com/covidstudy.

The initial trials did not include testing the oral cavity, but based on these results, Rowpar has launched additional studies to determine whether Closys over-the-counter products can help lower the transmission of the novel coronavirus from one person to another.

“These are exciting and potentially groundbreaking findings,” said CEO of Rowpar Pharmaceuticals Jim Ratcliff. “We know that the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted from person to person through spray droplets from the mouth, so this is an important first step in determining whether our oral care products can make a significant impact in reducing the chances of becoming ill or infecting others. There is a lot more to learn as we follow the science, but it’s a very positive start for our rinse formula.” 

While there is no evidence that inactivating the COVID-19 virus in the mouth will impact disease transmission, the studies reinforce the antimicrobial strength of Closys products. Clinical trials in progress at the University of California San Francisco are evaluating whether oral rinses can reduce the viral load in the mouth, which may in turn reduce the transmission of the disease.

All Closys products contain a proprietary formula with Clorastan, the trade name for stabilized chlorine dioxide, which is an  oxidant long recognized for its antimicrobial, disinfecting, and sanitizing properties. The Closys formula is activated by acids in saliva. Once released, Clorastan disrupts and penetrates dental biofilm, killing the microbial pathogens living within and inhibiting their regrowth. 

Related: RDH Quik Chat with Amber Auger and Andy Gritti: Preprocedural rinses (RDH website)

Editor's note: This article is an edited version of a press release issued August, 21, 2020, by Closys.