When antimicrobial agents (including antibiotics) are used to kill or inhibit microbe growth, the microbes can adapt and avoid death by becoming resistant to that specific therapy. AMR arise through natural resistance in certain microbes, genetic mutations or by the exchange of resistance genes. Biofilm formation increases the development of resistance in microbes.

SoftOx’s chemical composition ensures the efficient killing of microbes through several mechanisms. First, our main active ingredient attacks many sites on the microbial cell surface through powerful oxidation and chlorination of molecules, leading to molecular denaturation and dysfunction. Weakened cell membranes are also more susceptible for osmolysis (i.e. cell burst due to influx of water) since some of the SoftOx formulations are hypotonic. Furthermore, other additives act as an important pH-buffer for the SoftOx formulation and may enter microbial cells in the non-dissociated state, making the intracellular environment more acidic and nonviable. Because of these multiple destructive actions, it is highly unlikely for a microbial cell to become tolerant or resistant.

A chronic wound is a wound that does not heal by itself or by common treatment procedures. Today, chronic wounds are treated as any other wound, i.e. by debridement, rinsing with saline or water, and by application of a bandage. If an infection is suspected or confirmed, intravenously administered antibiotics and/or topical antimicrobial agents such as chlorhexidine wound rinse or silver dressings are often added to the treatment.

A chronic wound typically has a resilient bacterial or fungal infection and is often found in patients with a compromised health status, such as reduced blood circulation or an impaired immune system. Under such conditions, bacteria may create polymeric biofilms to protect themselves, which will make it difficult for the immune system to fight them, or to reach the bacteria with systemic antibiotics or topical antimicrobial agents. In situations where bacteria have not been entirely eradicated, there is a risk that bacterial resistance will develop.

Most current solutions are ineffective against biofilms. Antibiotic-based solutions are not effective due to elevated tolerance of biofilms to these agents. Other antimicrobials are ineffective due to their impaired penetration through the biofilm matrix, or simply because their tolerable concentrations are not high enough to kill biofilms. The biofilm eradication ability of our leading candidates were tested in in-vitro wound simulation models, which were designed to mimic surface biofilms or deep-tissue embedded biofilms. These were found to be superior to that of other solutions currently on the market.

SoftOx Solution’s technology is composed of two naturally occurring components with antimicrobial properties. Our research has shown that when these ingredients are combined, a synergetic antimicrobial effect occurs. In addition, their varying properties and composition allow them to not only kill microbes on the surface of the wound bed, but also deeper within the wound tissue / biofilms.

SoftOx Solution is a science-based company with a focus on quality. Collaboration with leading experts and universities in Copenhagen, Oslo, Lund and Malmø ensures high-quality ‘state of the art’ research and valuable scientific advice. Their scientific knowledge and expertise ensures that we can meet the demand for developing innovative and effective products.

Yes, SoftOx has tested the SafeDes formulation against enveloped viruses in general, which includes the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In fact, the inactivation power of SafeDes is extremely rapid, inactivating more than 99.999% of viruses after only 15 seconds.

SafeDes consists of more than 99.7% pure water. The small amounts of active ingredient and excipients in SafeDes, which are endogenous molecules of which humans (all animals) are used to handling, are far below any potential toxic levels.

SafeDes has also been clinically tested on intact and compromised skin and has documented its skin friendliness (e.g., no irritation, water loss (drying of skin)).

SafeDes is not indicated for use in wounds. We refer to our Wound Irrigation Solution (medical device class III) which is under development as a wound rinse.

SoftOx’ alcohol-free Hand Disinfectant is effective against all viruses and bacteria. It is clinically documented as skin-friendly and non-drying, and has no health, safety, or environmental hazard labelling.

The SoftOx products meet all requirements for documentation in the hand hygiene guidelines from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH). It is true that NIPH currently recommends alcohol-based solutions for use in the health care sector, but there is no ban on using other solutions. The documentation requirement is absolute, but the guide also allows for the use of other solutions