New hand wash to eliminate C. difficile spores
Official title: Novel hand hygiene product to remove Clostridioides difficile spores
Funded at Novaflux, INC. · NIH-11032843 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new hand wash that helps healthcare workers and caregivers get rid of harmful germs called Clostridioides difficile spores from their hands, making it safer for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Novaflux, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Princeton, United States) |
| Project start | March 9, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $993,963 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AI170313-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11032843 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include healthcare workers and caregivers who are at risk of exposure to C. difficile spores.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not involved in healthcare settings or do not have direct contact with C. difficile infected individuals may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel hand hygiene product specifically designed to effectively remove Clostridioides difficile spores from the skin. Current handwashing methods, including soap and water, have been shown to reduce but not eliminate these spores, which are a significant cause of healthcare-associated infections. The new hand wash formulation aims to provide a more effective solution for healthcare workers and caregivers, addressing the urgent need for improved hand hygiene practices. The study will involve testing the efficacy of this sporicidal hand wash in reducing contamination levels on hands.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the transmission of C. difficile infections, improving patient safety and outcomes in healthcare settings.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has highlighted the limitations of current hand hygiene practices against C. difficile, indicating a significant need for innovative solutions like this one.
Where this research is happening
-
Novaflux, INC.
Princeton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Labib, Mohamed E — Novaflux, INC.
- Study coordinator: Labib, Mohamed E
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.