InteliSpark client, Longsleeve Inc. (formerly Hour 72, Inc.), is awarded a research grant from the National Science Foundation to develop and test the efficacy of an innovative, long-lasting insect repellent. This product is based on the company’s innovative platform technology of a novel material that may be used in other applications as well such as anti-microbials and sunscreens.
Billions of people worldwide are at risk of contracting an insect-borne disease such as malaria, Zika, dengue, and chikungunya. In 2018, approximately 228 million contracted malaria, and 405,000 died of the disease, concentrated mostly in Africa. The Zika virus outbreak of 2015–2016 posed a threat to public health in the international community with the emergence of new data that Zika could cause birth defects and neurological problems. Dengue, another widespread virus, can cause mild to severe, or even life-threatening illness in some people. Around 3 billion people live in areas that are at risk for dengue.
What these diseases all have in common is that transmission occurs through mosquito bites. Protection is possible through the use of insect repellent, but the challenge is that most products are only effective for a few hours. The New-York based start-up, Longsleeve Inc., is addressing this global health issue through their innovative platform technology that aims to extend the life of functional skin products.
In this phase I Small Business Innovation Research project, Longsleeve researchers will develop an insect repellent that is low-cost, long-lasting (effective for at least 3 days), waterproof, not absorbed in the bloodstream, contains zero synthetic repellents, and imperceptible to the touch when applied to the skin. If proved effective, large scale commercialization of the product could greatly improve public health in areas of the world where insect-borne diseases are prevalent.