A new combination of active ingredients, Fludora Co-Max is effective against resistance
Bayer has introduced Fludora® Co-Max, an innovative space spray solution for combatting Aedes mosquito-borne arboviruses such as dengue, zika and chikungunya –combining two active ingredients with unrelated modes of action. The launch marks a major milestone in ongoing industry efforts to actively and sustainably tackle the problem of resistant mosquitoes. The Environmental Science business unit of Bayer will introduce this product in disease-affected countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia Pacific and Latin America throughout 2021 and 2022. This much-needed new tool will support public health programs deliver greater impact against disease-carrying mosquitoes and better protect the health of their communities.
Spread by Aedes mosquitoes, dengue is often cited as the most common and fastest growing mosquito-borne disease in the world. The global incidence of dengue has increased 15-fold over the last 20 years and represents a total global economic burden of nearly $9 billion, per the World Health Organization (WHO). Notably, for a disease which roughly half the world’s population is at risk from, there is currently no cure for dengue.
With the development of increasing mosquito resistance to current vector control solutions, the need for innovation and greater efficacy in space spray solutions to control diseases like dengue is vital. Fludora® Co-Max works by combining two active ingredients: transfluthrin and flupyradifurone – the latter being a novel mode of action for use in public health. The combination of the two compounds makes it more difficult for Aedes mosquitoes to develop resistance, thus providing greater long-term effectiveness of the product in controlling the mosquitoes which spread disease.
In addition to the novel combination of active ingredients, Fludora® Co-Max uses a unique formulation technology which contributes to both its effectiveness and sustainability in use. This innovation allows dilution of the product in water (instead of hydrocarbon-based diluents such as diesel oil) which helps maintain efficacy over greater distances and lowers the environmental impact.
Aedes mosquito-borne diseases are becoming increasingly prevalent in Africa due to factors such as rapid growth of urban populations. The introduction of Fludora® Co-Max in Côte d’Ivoire marks the first major space spray launch for the purposes of combatting dengue in that region. “We have seen a growing awareness and concern around arboviruses such as dengue in the African continent in recent years and resistance in mosquitoes in the region is well documented” said Frederic Baur, Global Market Manager for Vector Control at Bayer. “We have a strong team in Africa to steward and support the product, and to work together with external stakeholders to further reinforce insecticide resistance management in the region”.
To expand the introduction of the product around the world, the Environmental Science team at Bayer are similarly working closely with international and local regulatory organizations to ensure a successful roll-out.
“Through the global launch of Fludora® Co-Max we expect to make a significant contribution to the prevention and ultimately the elimination of mosquito-borne diseases,” said Dr. Jacqueline Applegate, President of the Environmental Science business. “It is one example of Bayer’s continued commitment to research, develop and bring to market vector control interventions to improve public health and, consequently, people’s lives all over the world.”
