Liverpool city region medical venture LivFul secures US regulatory approval for its insect repellent in a major breakthrough for its growth prospects. Tony McDonough reports

A medical venture based at Sci-Tech Daresbury has secured US regulatory approval for its insect repellent which has been developed for people with sensitive skin.

LivFul says STAYTEC EIR 2.55 has won approval from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to sell its improved and more stable formulation in the US. This marks an important step forward in the company’s international growth.

While the EPA approval is new, the formulation itself is well established. EIR 2.55 has already been successfully used in several international markets for the past few years offering protection primarily against mosquitos and also other insects.

LivFul will now bring the proven formulation to consumers in the US in both fragranced and fragrance-free versions. It is suitable for use by a broad range of consumers, including pregnant women and babies over two months of age.

From its base in Liverpool city region, technical manager, Dr Eduard Casas-Terradellas and his team have played a key role in the formulation’s development and in navigating the rigorous EPA regulatory process.

And the company is already looking ahead. A 14-hour protection claim, supported by existing data, is currently progressing through EPA review.

Dr Casas-Terradellas said: “Seeing EIR 2.55 receive EPA approval is a hugely rewarding milestone after a long and demanding regulatory journey.

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“I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to both the development of the new formulation and the regulatory process, working alongside a great team to bring it to this point.

“This approval opens an exciting new chapter for LivFul in the US. It’s fantastic to see all the work that has gone into this project come together.”