A small company formed by two Bristol scientists is about to launch a product that will kill he H1N1 virus on hands across the globe
BRISTOL — A few years ago two men from Bristol got the idea they could rediscover a forgotten science, launch a new business and, well, make the world a better place. They believe they’ve succeeded on all counts.
The owners of Sterling Natural Science are about to unveil to the world a new line of products that uses natural silver in a breakthrough application of their own discovery to suffocate and kill bacteria, viruses and the microscopic bugs that are all over us. Their headline product is a hand-sanitizer that neutralizes the H1N1 virus, known more commonly as the source of “swine flu.”
As this story went to press, the company was poised to sign an exclusive manufacturing, distribution and marketing deal with a local company to take their products worldwide.
Asked if this is a big breakthrough, a million-dollar breakthrough or a $10 million breakthrough, company president and CEO Samy Ashkar said, “Yes.”
Sterling Natural Science is a small outfit of essentially three men. John Whistler of Barrington is the chief financial officer who has managed the money, investments and financial strategy of the young firm. The heart of the operation, however, are Mr. Ashkar and Michael Smith, both from Bristol.
Dr. Ashkar is a doctor, scientist and entrepreneur who has founded four technology companies, owns 28 patents, has taught at Harvard Medical School and served as principal investigator in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Children’s Hospital in Boston.
Mr. Smith is a scientist, inventor and chemist who worked with precious metals and in environmental industries for more than 30 years, launched several businesses and also holds patents. He is vice president and chief operating officer.
Despite the lofty titles, he and Dr. Ashkar work in sparse spaces. Their corporate office in Bristol is a one-room, street-level rental unit with three desks, a few chairs and a Blues Brothers poster in the window. Their “manufacturing” plant in Warren is a cold, brick corner of an industrial building with a few shelves, white chemical containers, cardboard packing boxes and white five-gallon buckets.
Inside those buckets is the company’s black gold.
Their black gold
When Dr. Ashkar and Mr. Smith launched their little venture a few years ago, they focused on rediscovering a lost science. For thousands of years, as far back as the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, silver was used to fight infection, protect food from spoiling, prevent blindness, clean water and treat burns. With the introduction of modern drugs and anti-bacterial medicines in the middle of the 20th century, pharmacology surged to popularity and silver was relegated to mostly tableware and jewelry.
Dr. Ashkar and Mr. Smith hope to bring silver back to the mainstream. They had great faith in the power of silver to fight and kill bacteria.
The effectiveness of silver was clear — it was even accepted by the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use as a disinfectant, sanitizer and algaecide in 1954. Their challenge was finding a way to maximize its biological activity (getting it to attack and kill the bugs) while dispersing it evenly and effectively in a variety of products. They key was making it work so lower concentrations of the silver would be effective.
It’s Argenius
After three years of effort, including about a year and a half of hard work and laborious testing, they had their breakthrough — a black, soupy mixture they call Argenius. It’s a combination of the Latin word for silver, argentum, and their pride in their work.
Argenius is a combination of powdered silver — which they buy for about $19 per ounce — and other metals mixed together in a combination and manner that is the company’s secret. They hope to keep it secret — they prefer the term “proprietary information” — for as long as possible.
In the meantime, they’ve discovered an exclusive product that they claim kills bacteria and viruses more naturally and effectively than the products that now dominate the sanitizing, cleaning and disinfecting markets. Sterling Natural Science is developing sanitizing bar and liquid soaps, shaving balms, skin lotions, sanitizing mists and room deodorizers. “The chemistry has the potential to go into a lot of different products,” Mr. Smith said.
But, the first to get all the attention will be the hand sanitizer.
Neutralizes H1N1
Their Argenius-based sanitizer neutralizes not only dysentery, E. coli, salmonella and other pathogens, it has a 99 percent kill rate against H1N1. This was confirmed by the testing of an independent laboratory, Biosciences Laboratory Inc. of Bozeman, Mont., in July.
The H1N1 test was no mistake. As Dr. Ashkar and Mr. Smith watched and read reports about the H1N1 spread globally, they suspected their product would be effective. As Dr. Ashkar said, “We knew the science worked.” The Argenius compound essentially surrounds and suffocates microorganisms like H1N1. To prove it, however, they spent “a significant amount of money” to send it to the lab for testing; and, until they got the test results, they couldn’t be sure.
Even now, they don’t over-promise what their sanitizer will do. They don’t claim it will protect you from H1N1. They only say that it has proven extremely effective at killing the virus — along with other nasty bugs.
What they do promise is their sanitizer works better than the competition. The majority of hand sanitizers today, which, with the global spread of the swine flu, can now be found in nearly every home, school and office, are alcohol-based products. The proprietors of Sterling Natural Science can name the limitations with ease.
The alcohol-based sanitizers send thousands of people to U.S. hospitals every year, many of them children, with alcohol poisoning. The alcohol mixtures dry your skin, making you more vulnerable to the small cuts that can allow “bugs” into your system. The alcohol sanitizers wipe out everything on the hands — which is good, because studies show that people carry between 10,000 and 10 million bacteria on each hand at any given time —but their benefits last for only minutes. Five minutes later, new bacteria are returning to the skin. And they don’t kill H1N1.
By contrast, the Bristol men claim their product is all-natural, non-toxic, has no harmful side effects (Mr. Smith ate some to prove it), does not dry out the skin and lasts for hours. In other words, they claim, you can spread a small amount over your hands and have virus-killing benefits hours later. And it kills H1N1.
Global benefits
The potential for an H1N1 pandemic has opened the door for them to get global response to their product, but they were already thinking globally years ago. They believe their Argenius can be used a lot of different ways to clean, sanitize and protect. They believe it can clean water supplies in Africa, prevent the spread of infection and illness in nursing homes or hospitals and protect soldiers in military barracks from epidemics or dysentery.
If the product sells as they expect it will, they’ll have to crank up production. Sterling Natural Science will not be making the finished products, selling them or shipping them anywhere. But they will be making the Argenius, keeping that secret recipe in-house. Even when they hire people — so far their only employee has been Mr. Smith’s son — they believe they can keep their secret a secret by keeping control of some aspects of the manufacturing but not doing all the work.
They have a manufacturing advantage. A five-gallon drum of the black, liquid Argenius takes about four hours to make. The Argenius then has a 1 to 100 ratio of raw product to finished product (which will be made by someone else with the cooperation of Sterling Natural Science), meaning just four of those five-gallon buckets will provide enough product to fill a truck of hand sanitizers. They expect to fill a truck a day.
Onward and upward
Dr. Ashkar and Mr. Smith don’t plan to spend their days stirring chemicals in the warehouse. The owners want to get busy solving new problems, taking Argenius into new arenas. “What we do best is solve problems,” Dr. Ashkar said.
Despite the H1N1 breakthrough, they dream bigger.
“We still believe this has a greater good for humanity,” Dr. Ashkar said. “There is tremendous potential.”
Great work! And congratulations, nice article.
Wow, so that's what Uncle Fester does now after a great career on the Adams Family.
Wow Kid...simple minds...Fortunately for us "Uncle Fester" as you call him contributes more to our society than you do.
Kudos to Dr. Ashkar and Mr Smith for working towards alternatives that protect our citizens.
Wow no humor here lets face it he does look a little like uncle fester I don't kid meant any thing derogitory geeze. Good job Doc.
Jack
Although he doesn't have a lit light bulb in his mouth I would point out LOL
Jack
You know, actually that was just what I was thinking when I saw this guy for the first time. I'll bet along with how helpful this stuff is, he is also looking at those very large dollar signs.
This how you advance the town of Bristol with actual Business that produces real results year round and high paying jobs unlike the tourism industry that this town is try to use.
Jack
Any town that relies on tourism is in trouble. Well, I can take some hand sanitizer and turn it black, that works 2. No, these folks might save the day.
relax...a little humor never killed anyone.
yea kid I think sickofri needs a happy pill. LOL
Jack
On a serious note, Jack is correct in saying we need less of tourisim type's of business. But they are important also. What happened to the Enterprise Zone? I believe it is still in existance. When EZ started, we saw some result's.
Granted, the econmic climate was in better shape, but they did make a difference.
Real job's, that will offer good pay, benefit's that will help the citizen's of this town. Better leave it there, I'm sounding like I am running for office.
You and I fully agree on the jobs and businesses kid far to long this state and town have depended on tourism and gambleing and none of it has helped the average taxpayer like it was all promised. Businesses with well paying jobs make the difference it's only common sense.
Jack
Before anyone runs out to load up on this "miracle" product, there are certain things to consider. First of which is whether or not these two gentlemen's claims can be substantiated. Unfortunately, there are no sound scientific studies to back up these two gentlemen's claims. So the answer to that is "no." Secondly is it safe to take silver? The answer again is probably not. Why not? Contrary to what they lead the reader to believe, silver does have side effects; it can build up in your system and may be harmful. Side effects include blue-grey discoloration of the skin, eyes, internal organs, gums and nails. In rare cases it can even cause kidney damage. So the moral of the story is if it sounds to good to be true, it probably is. If you would like more info about silver, check out the Mayo Clinic website and search for "silver".
Its never a good idea to get all your information from one source.....Try a google search on Silver rather than just Mayo Clinic!It's interesting how many sites there are on Silver~
There is much misinformation regarding the use of silver products causing a person's skin to turn blue or grey in color. Only the extreme misuse of certain types of very strong silver solutions has caused the condition known as Argyria. Of course the extreme misuse of any substance can cause harm or even death to people. If a person were to ingest an entire bottle of vitamins, the person would quite possibly suffer serious side affects. However, even if a child were to accidentally drink several bottles of Silver Sinus 10 ppm colloidal silver solution, he or she would suffer no ill affects at all.
Bravo, Dr.Ashkar, Mr.'s Smith & Whistler!
Thank you for your relentless devotion in attempts to finding a potentially positive answer to help human health!
Before posting my comments, I did do a search and found, as you said, many sources on silver. The reputable ones said the same thing that the Mayo Clinic did. The dubious ones, well, I guess it really depends on how gullible a person is.
Response to Debbie
Acually it has nothing to do with being gullible it has to do with clinical trials and the FDA far as I know. Any treatment for anything used wrong or in excess can cause all sorts of problems. I see no reason to try an degrades these mens work by looking at opinions online.
I doubt very much these gentlemen are trying to scam anyone with something that would be harmfull. I also see no need to insinuate that their product some kind of miracle that is never said now implied.
As for studies they are in the testing phase which has been done according to the article.
It is also obvious they have to have approval from the FDA in any case I would think. I also wonder why so many seniors and other I know who take silver products have no problem. They never said it silver had no side effects they said the product they are making has no side effects.
Dont know why you feel you have to post nonsense and try to get people to reject these men who are trying to make the world better when it is obvious you have no clue of the product they are making and only they know.
You are making claims that are not even in the article and probably have nothing to do with their product since it is doubtfull you have had access to their research or product it stikes me as odd that you made those comments, and suspect as to your motivations. Or just plain weird who knows.
Jack
Oh I forgot they seem to be talking a bout very small amounts anyway probably mili grams from the sound of the ratio and delution. Hardly amounting to any real over exposing. Oh to produce the blue side effect that was found in the moron who was drinking the stuff every day in large amounts back in january when the story was big. He got what he deserved. He did it to himself period.
The normal human body contains approximately 1 mg of silver; the smallest amount of silver reported to produce generalized argyria in humans ranges from 4-5 g to 20-40 g. Silver at 50-500 mg/kg body weight is the lethal toxic dose in humans.
Jack
Clinical trials? According to the article, it was tested in only one lab other than their own. If that's the case, then it hardly sounds like clinical trials.
You mention the FDA, do you have any idea how long it takes to get approval from the FDA, not that this type of product is required to have FDA approval, mind you. It can take 10 years or longer to go through development, testing, and finally to applying for approval. From the article in the paper, it didn't sound like they went through this process at all. But then again, they are not required to, unfortunately. And hence, they can make whatever claims they like, just as all the other companies in the supplements industry do. It's a shame that they are not better regulated.
Contrary to what you imply, silver can build up in your body over time. While it's true that there will be only small amounts of silver in the tonic/lotion applied to the hands each time but chances are, people using this or any other similar lotion will be using it many times a day. So cumulatively, the resultant "dose" could be significant.
The only reason I even bothered to comment on this article was that I wanted to tell people that when they read something like this that they should step back and question what they have been told rather than instantly believing it. I want people to be better informed. I want them to question claims such as this one about the benefits of silver. I want them to start thinking for themselves and making informed decisions rather than following blindly like so many do.
An alarming news. Relating to this issue, I have heard that the vaccination drive will be prioritizing the pregnant women and children under 6 years old, is this true?
Regards,
http://www.goldcoinsgain.com/gold-bullion-coins.html
response to debbie contrary to what you read I said I would think on the FDA thing as I wasnt sure on it my point was you telling people they would turn blue using a product not even on the market yet. and if you think these men would risk law suits to the tune of millions of dollars after have it tested by a reputable compny and their own research then you are very pesimistic indeed.
I do know what it takes to get a product through the FDA yes you are right it can take up to ten years. But thats about all your right on everything else is only opinion on your part. But you are trying to put forward as facts on a product you have no part in developing and if you really read about this type of product you would find that there is enormous studies done on the delivery of certain kinds of silver ion's of which this article does not even say.
Probably because they want to patent it. If you want to scare people to not use a product then wait till it is on the market after it has been finished and produced. Your theory would be to say not drive a car that hasn't even been invented yet, think about that. And reread the amount of silver it takes to cause anything and also the fact that this a topical product not ingested and therefore not able to absorb through the skin in any mount to get into the blood stream as it must in order to cause a problem as it does with miners and others who breath it or take it orally.
And you sure don't hear about many cases of side effects do you. Any one can find a lot of people on the internet complaining but not proven causes of any product or substance. I only wish people would use common sense before trying to destroy something with enuendo and no facts, opinon is fine but don't tell people it is a dangerous product and will cause them serious health problem when you have not even seen it work.
As for your testing comment it is not hard to test absortion rates of anything on the skin or whether the product becomes enert after a time as this one obviously has to ot it would be worthless to even market it period. Oh and dont get so upset with oppisite opinions the reason for debate is to see if someone else has a better or worse thought on something and at times make you change the way you think about something.
Jack
Response to GoldBullion
Yes those are the high risk groups and ones 62 or older according to the CDC.
An you know its kind of rude of you to keep advertising the gold crap site. If it is so good you could afford standard advertising not look like some scam artist on forums as most who advertise in forums are scammers or hackers.
jack
Jack, You are wrong on all accounts in your misinterpretation of my comments and intentions. You are also wrong on many of the issues that you try, unsuccessfully to refute. It is pointless to continue this conversation. You are so intent on defending something you know very little about that you cannot see beyond the end of your own nose. Bye.
Jack, One last note about critical reading. I found an article that I think you might find interesting on this topic. I am not being facetious but am only trying to help: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alternative-medicine/SA00078
Ok miss know it all next time try actually using some facts from real people. and your comments speak for themselves and are selfserving only to you in your mind I guess. Have a nice day and a better day tomorrow. Oh and though my nose is a little large I have no problem seeing beyond it by the way. Enjoy your little world.
Jack
Actully I read a few article on the mayo site and but the info I got that I really found better was the articles done by chemist on exactly how the silver is made an protected so as not to do any harm and is converted to Ions which means very tiny minute amounts.
Again I have no quams with you other than trying to play down the discovery of these gentlemen with out giving them a chance to prove their technology. The article written does not give enough info for you or me to judge their particular product.
That is all i'm saying maybe I went overboard on it but I get upset when anyone shoots somthing down before it has had a chance to be proven, unless it is blantly harmfull. The info on this product so far as I can tell no way to know that at all in my opinion.
Jack
I would add as I said before this is a topical thing to use on the hands that is not what the the mayo wed site is talking about. The are refering to supliments and herbs that are ingested. I dont even know why they mention acupuncture which has been around for over 5000 years in china. Reminds when and I guess still in a lot of circles Doctors called charopractor weasles and snake salemen but they do help many many people and for the most part have become very respected by many in the medical profession. Man I cant spell today sorry
Jack
