February 2, 2006

Skinvisible conducts further studies on Hand Sanitizer effective at killing ‘bird flu’ H5N1 virus

Retroscreen Virology, subsidiary of University of London's Queen Mary School of Medicine, to conduct a second study related to its patent-pending Chlorhexidine Hand Sanitizer, which was proven more than 99 percent effective at killing the avian 'bird flu' virus H5N1 within seconds of contact

‘Persistency’ study intended to demonstrate that Chlorhexidine Hand Sanitizer’s patented delivery system, Invisicare, ensures long-term coverage while resisting both wash-off and rub-off

“It is well-known that flu viruses are spread by touch: you rub your nose, then touch the telephone. Those viruses live long enough for someone else to pick them up. Handwashing is the first step in protecting oneself against spreading viruses. The next step is to have a sanitizer that not only kills viruses on contact but also will stay on the skin resisting both wash-off and rub-off for an extended period of time. Prevention could be a significant addition to the world’s armamentarium to fight flu. In particular, an effective and long-lasting hand sanitizer could be at the frontline for defending against the high probability of a bird flu pandemic—by preventing or minimizing any opportunities of transmission of the virus between avian species and humans. ” Terry Howlett President and CEO Skinvisible, Inc.

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 2, 2006—Skinvisible, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: 'SKVI' / Website: www.skinvisible.com) announced today that it is commissioning a second study by Retroscreen Virology Ltd. (Europe’s leading contract virology research company) of Skinvisible's patent-pending Chlorhexidine Hand Sanitizer, developed by its wholly owned subsidiary, Skinvisible Pharmaceuticals. (The first study’s results, see press release of January 19, 2006, demonstrated that the Chlorhexidine Hand Sanitizer had a greater than 99 percent kill on the 'Bird Flu Virus' (H5N1) at 4 time points of 15 seconds, 30 seconds, one minute and five minutes.) The purpose of the second study, expected to be completed within six weeks, is to quantify the ‘persistency’ of the Chlorhexidine Hand Sanitizer—i.e., demonstrate that its patented delivery system, Invisicare, ensures coverage of the sanitizer on the hands for an extended period of time, while resisting both wash-off and rub-off during that time.

The active ingredient in Skinvisible's product is Chlorhexidine (klor-HEX-i-deen), an easily tolerated and effective antiseptic that kills or inhibits the growth of disease-causing bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms, and is used for surgical scrub, skin wounds, germicidal hand rinse, and antibacterial dental rinse. This compound is delivered via Skinvisible's patented Invisicare delivery system. Skinvisible has applied for a patent using the combination of Chlorhexidine within the Invisicare polymer delivery system.

“It is well-known that flu viruses are spread by touch: you rub your nose, then touch the telephone. Those viruses live long enough for someone else to pick them up,” said Terry Howlett, President and CEO of Skinvisible. “Viruses can survive on human hands for several hours,” added Mr. Howlett. “Viruses can also survive up to 48 hours on non-porous surfaces such as a telephone, computer keyboard, doorknobs, kitchen utensils and toys, for example. This is what makes hand-washing so critically important. Washing your hands frequently and using a product such as Skinvisible's Chlorhexidine Hand Sanitizer — which the second Retroscreen study will show stays effective for an extended period of time — could dramatically reduce the incidence of respiratory disease in general by over 40 percent, experts have suggested.”

About Invisicare

At the heart of Skinvisible's patented technology and trademarked Invisicare family of polymer delivery vehicles is its formula and process for combining hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymers into stable complexes in water emulsions. This allows formulated products using Invisicare as their platform to remain on the skin for extended periods of time, thereby affording active agents a prolonged timeframe to perform their intended functions. Products utilizing Invisicare have the proven ability to bond active ingredients to the skin for up to four or more hours. They are non-occlusive and allow normal skin respiration and perspiration while moisturizing and protecting against exposure from a wide variety of environmental irritants. When topically applied, these formulated products adhere to the skin's outer layers, forming a protective bond, resisting wash-off, and delivering targeted levels of therapeutic or cosmetic skincare agents to the skin. They allow enhanced delivery performance for a variety of skincare agents resulting in improved efficacy, longer duration of action, reduced irritation and lower dosage of active agent required. The "invisible" polymer compositions wear off as part of the natural exfoliation process of the skin's outer layer cells.

About Skinvisible Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, Skinvisible Pharmaceuticals is a research-and-development company that has formulated and patented innovative polymer delivery system technology and compositions for topical skin applications. Skinvisible's primary marketing and sales objective is to license its technology and sell its trademarked polymer delivery vehicle Invisicare to established dermatological, cosmetic, skincare and pharmaceutical manufacturers.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains 'forward looking' statements within the meaning of Section 21A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are subject to the safe harbors created thereby. Such statements involve certain risks and uncertainties associated with an emerging company. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward looking statements as a result of risk factors discussed in Skinvisible, Inc. reports on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (including, but not limited to, a report on Form 10QSB for the quarter ending September 30, 2005).



BACK TO:  News Index

Top