Proposal for Innovative Infection Control using Sustainable 
                                   Antibacterial Agent "AbedulAg＋"
                                                                                                            April 22, 2025
                                                                                                            Susumé Co., ltd.
                                                                                                  CEO Tsubasa Sakurada
1. Background
Economic Background: Infectious diseases are considered an eternal challenge for humanity, with no precedents of resolution except for smallpox. It is predicted that economic losses will reach $100 trillion globally by 2050, surpassing cancer mortalities [1]. The WHO, G7 Summit, and OECD are concerned about the collapse of medical systems due to antibiotic depletion and the proliferation of resistant bacteria[2].
Current Status of Infection Control: Infectious diseases spread through air, droplets, and contact. 
Drug-resistant bacteria are particularly known to be transmitted primarily through contact. The spread of these bacteria into the community, resulting in community-acquired infections, is an extremely seri-ous issue.
Challenges in Infection Control: The unpredictability of infectious diseases and the difficulty in fore-casting profitability make it extremely hard for markets to function efficiently, exemplified by the stag-nation in antibiotic development. Despite the high public and social importance of infectious disease prevention, the consensus is that it should be government-led. Adjusting interests with existing domi-nant germicides (such as chemically synthesized germicides) is a difficult task.
Development of "AbedulAg+": Copper alloys were approved as sustainable germicides by the US EPA in 2008. Clinical trials on infections have statistically confirmed that infection prevention is possi-ble by continuously blocking bacterial transmission via contact [3]. However, issues with versatility have limited widespread application. To address the challenges of these copper alloys, we developed a versatile, low-cost sustainable germicide "AbedulAg+" using ceramic composite technology in a paint form.

2. Features of "AbedulAg＋"
1) Safety (Biocompatibility): Non-toxic and safe for living organisms.
2) Sustainability (Ceramic Composite): Continuous germicidal effect and hard for resistant bacteria
to develop.
3) Recognized Active Agent (Silver Ion): Approved by both the US EPA and FDA.
4) Environmental Impact (Non-Eluting): Environmentally friendly material design.
5) Versatility and Cost-effectiveness (Paint Form): Wide application beyond medical use at a low cost. 

3. Specific Usage Example
The textile products maintain 99.9% antibacterial efficacy even after 300 washes. In contrast, the mass-distributed "antibacterial fabrics" are limited to 30 washes, allowing for clear differentiation. No-tably, the North American market size for "antibacterial fibers" is 4 billion USD/year [4]. "AbedulAg+" is an innovative antibacterial agent unlike conventional ones, designed with the goal of obtaining FDA registration. It resolves issues related to cytotoxicity, nanosilver, and cost (half) associated with "earthplusTM" [5]. (Both technologies have the same inventor)

4. Strategy for Realization
Intellectual Strategy: Patents obtained in Japan (Patent No.7239122), pending in Japan (2024-71653), and under review in the US (US 224/49718 A1). Applications are in progress in the EU (EP 4 523 533 A1) and Indonesia using PCT. Information on past academic papers and conference presen-tations is available on Susume Corporation's website [6].
Exit Strategy:
1)    Publish papers based on acquired patents (e.g., AJIC = American Journal of Infection Control) to gain public 
        recognition. (Currently writing, submission planned around August 2025)
2)    Gain widespread recognition through government agencies (e.g., JETRO's overseas promotion platform). 
        (Implemented)
3)    To hasten the societal benefit of essential technology, provide patents free of charge under cer-tain licensing
        terms. (Under consideration with former patent office consultant attorneys)
4)    We are also considering the commercialization of a hygiene management product (the commer-cial item is a
        film) for food, which is easier to commercialize than infectious disease control, in parallel.
5)    Use the above outcomes to aim for support in developing countries (e.g., ODA).

5. Conclusion (Expected Effects and Challenges)
Amidst the growing threat of infectious diseases, a non-toxic, universally applicable, and sustainable germicide in paint form is unprecedented and offers a revolutionary solution, especially for infections that have proven difficult to handle with chemically synthesized germicides, which have only transient effects. By promoting the spread of this technology and expanding its applications beyond textiles, it is expected to contribute to creating a hygienic and safe society, particularly in developing countries with vulnerable environmental infrastructure. Since many bacteria are sources of odors, though difficult to quantify, the sustained effect can be easily perceived on-site by anyone. "AbedulAg＋" is also anticipat-ed to effectively complement conventional community infection control measures, such as handwash-ing and masks, which have been challenging. However, as bacteria multiply invisibly and at an accel-erated pace, proactive measures are often difficult to implement, and by the time many casualties occur, it may already be too late. Consequently, it is important to note the inherent challenge of "diffi-culty in forecasting profitability" in this matter.

[1] The Review on antimicrobial resistance, May 2016 
[2] https://www.mhlw.go.jp/file/06-Seisakujouhou-10900000-Kenkoukyoku/0000121246_1.pdf
[3] Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, May 2013, Vol. 34, No. 5 
[4] Secondary Research, Expert Interviews, and MarketsandMarketsAnalysis
[5] The sustained germicide owned by Shinshu Ceramics Co., Ltd. (founded by its inventor).
[6] http://www.susume-yatsugatake.com