Last Updated on: 20th May 2025, 05:08 pm
Parkers Pharma has introduced Spinomax XRT, a 180-day slow-release larvicide tablet designed for sustained mosquito suppression in regions battling diseases such as malaria, Zika virus, dengue, Rift Valley fever, and chikungunya.
Spearheaded by lead scientist Dr Wathek Zair, this innovation represents a crucial breakthrough in larval habitat control—offering protection in locations where conventional, frequent interventions are challenging to maintain.
Spinosad-Based Technology and Action
At the core of Spinomax XRT is Spinosad, a naturally derived compound from the bacterium Saccharopolyspora spinosa. It acts by targeting the larvae’s neural pathways—specifically nicotinic acetylcholine receptors—causing paralysis and death shortly after exposure. The advanced matrix formulation ensures that effective doses are released steadily for half a year.
Designed for Diverse Environments
Spinomax XRT is suited for mosquito breeding site treatment in:
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Stored water vessels
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Agricultural drainage and runoff
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Building sites in urban areas
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Low-lying floodplains and swamps
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Displacement camps and emergency shelters
Initial results from laboratory and field assessments show larvicidal action within 4 to 24 hours post-deployment. It is highly effective against Anopheles, Culex, and Aedes mosquitoes. So far, no cases of Spinosad resistance have been recorded in targeted species.
Scientific Endorsement
“Spinomax XRT is one of the most promising larvicides we’ve tested. Its long-term release and rapid action allow us to prevent mosquito emergence in areas where daily treatment isn’t feasible. This is a major step forward in vector control.” — Dr Emma Caldwell, Senior Vector Biologist, Centre for Tropical Disease Control, UK
Regulatory Rollout and WHO Support
The product is being evaluated by regulatory authorities across a number of endemic countries throughout Africa, Latin America, and Asia. It complies with WHO’s recommended protocols for larval source control, particularly in locations where adulticide resistance or operational barriers are common.
A Commitment to Practical Innovation
“This development reflects our commitment to deliver practical, science-driven tools for global disease control,” said Dr Wathek Zair, scientist at Parkers Pharma. “By extending the duration of larvicide effectiveness, we’re addressing a critical gap in current vector control strategies.”
