Salt Lake firms enter agreement to distribute pathogen-killing masks

Two Salt Lake City companies have entered into a licensing agreement for the production and distribution of consumer face masks treated with silicon nitride, which inactivates pathogens such as the COVID-19 virus. O2Today, a firm that develops, manufactures and commercializes face masks for medical and non-medical purposes, and SINTX Technologies, a manufacturer of silicon nitride ceramics, said the new agreement is for two years with options for an extension.

O2Today expects to release its first consumer mask integrated with SINTX’s silicon nitride during 2021. The mask will inactivate pathogens in the fabric itself, therefore reducing the spread of viral diseases and effectively fighting against COVID-19, the company said. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, SINTX Technologies has been testing the antiviral properties of silicon nitride for use in antipathogenic applications. Rigorous safety, efficacy and wearability tests are currently underway.

“We are thrilled to enter this agreement with SINTX Technologies, a company that has a remarkable history of conducting the science and developing products based on silicon nitride and its various formulations,” said Bruce Lorange, CEO of O2Today. “We are passionate about respiratory health and have been an innovator in the design and manufacturing of protective face wear that reduces exposure to airborne threats since 2015. We believe that this agreement will position O2Today as a market leader in the next generation of face masks to combat COVID-19 and other air-borne ailments caused by viruses and bacteria.”

“The development of a ‘catch-and-kill’ mask containing SINTX’s silicon nitride is an important step towards offering viral protection to healthcare professionals and the general public,” said Sonny Bal, CEO and president of SINTX Technologies. “Given the effectiveness of silicon nitride in inactivating pathogens, there is an opportunity to turn what has been single-use masks into a reusable PPE, thereby extending their life for healthcare workers and essential personnel.”

O2Today said that in order to control the supply chain from raw material to finished goods, and to meet the global demand for face masks driven by COVID-19, the company has established a new production facility in Salt Lake City, close to SINTX’s manufacturing plant.