Bayer launches Aqua K-Othrine®for mosquito management
Gunjan Chauhan
Rapid urbanization in India has led to a significant rise in vector borne diseases such as Malaria and Dengue. To prevent these diseases, India needs effective and innovative vector control solutions. In line with Bayer’s commitment to safeguard public health, the company has launched Aqua K-Othrine®, India’s first water-based space spray insecticide for management of mosquitoes.
Aqua K-Othrine® is an emulsion in water (EW) formulation. It contains an anti-evaporant to protect the water-based spray droplets from evaporative water loss. This anti-evaporant technology: FFAST (Film Forming Aqueous Spray Technology) enables Aqua K-Othrine® to be diluted in water without losing efficacy. Being water-based, this innovative product eliminates the use of oil-based diluents such as diesel and helps reduce environmental impact. It also reduces the cost of application by upto 80 percent.
Speaking about Bayer’s interventions around vector borne disease management, Dr. Arun Kumar, Head of Environmental Science at Bayer, South Asia, said: “At Bayer, we are committed to using science and innovation to improve people’s lives for the better. Aqua K-Othrine® is a novel product in the vector control segment to help mitigate the spread of mosquito-borne diseases. We will continue to invest significantly in the research for innovative solutions to improve public health and contribute towards Good Health and Well-Being for People.”
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the Life Science fields of health care and agriculture. Its products and services are designed to benefit people and improve their quality of life. At the same time, the Group aims to create value through innovation, growth and high earning power. Bayer is committed to the principles of sustainable development and to its social and ethical responsibilities as a corporate citizen. In fiscal 2017, the Group employed around 99,800 people and had sales of EUR 35 billion. Capital expenditures amounted to EUR 2.4 billion, R&D expenses to EUR 4.5 billion
The Environmental Science business of Bayer collaborates closely with both private and public players to protect communities and the spaces in which they live, work and play. Speaking about the launch of Bayer’s new innovation in vector control; Sam Easaw, Managing Director, Rentokil PCI, said: “Bayer has a long-standing partnership with Rentokil PCI in India and across the globe. The introduction of Aqua K-Othrine® in India is very timely given the increasing trend of vector borne diseases in various parts of the country.”
Aqua K-Othrine® is pre-qualified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for use in vector control operations. This WHO assessment provides assurance of effectiveness and safety in use when used according to the label instructions. The product can be used in thermal fogging machines, ultra-low volume (ULV) sprayers and cold fogger machinesagainst flying insect pests. One litre of Aqua K-Othrine is enough to provide coverage of 20 to 40 hectares.
