EPA Approves First Long-Lasting Antiviral Product for COVID-19

Groundbreaking Development

Arent Fox serves as regulatory counsel to the product’s developer, Allied BioScience, of Dallas, Texas.

Granted as a public health emergency exemption under the authority of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, EPA’s approval responds to a request from the state of Texas to allow the use of SurfaceWise2 by American Airlines on airport facilities and planes and by Total Orthopedics Sports & Spine in its clinics. 

• SurfaceWise2 is the first of its kind antimicrobial surface coating to provide continuous protection against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and other harmful viruses and bacteria. The coating takes effect within two hours of application and remains effective for up to seven days while killing up to  99.9% of viruses on surfaces.

Consumer Confidence

• EPA officials said the product was designed to provide added protection in public spaces that could increase consumer confidence in resuming air travel.
• The EPA will allow the product’s use at American Airlines airport facilities in Texas and on planes with flights originating in the state.
• Use of SurfaceWise2 must occur, for now, in Texas.

AF Team

The AF team is led by Counsel Stanley H. Abramson and includes Partners Karen Ellis Carr and Donald C. McLean, Counsel Wayne H. Matelski and Travis L. Mullaney, and Director of Regulatory Science Robert G. Edwards, Ph.D.