Latest COVID-19 Variant Update: Staying Informed, Staying Protected As the global health landscape continues to evolve, a new COVID-19 subvariant, BA.3.2—informally referred to as “Cicada”—is currently under observation across multiple countries. As part of the Omicron family, this subvariant reflects the natural progression of viral mutations, with early indications suggesting it may spread more easily and exhibit partial immune escape. Despite these developments, current data provides reassurance. There is no clear evidence that BA.3.2 leads to more severe illness. Reported symptoms remain consistent with earlier Omicron variants, including sore throat, cough, fever, and fatigue. Importantly, vaccination continues to play a critical role in reducing the risk of severe outcomes and hospitalisation. The emergence of new variants highlights the importance of sustained public awareness and everyday protective practices. Maintaining good hygiene, especially in shared and high-contact environments, remains a key line of defence in reducing transmission. In this context, Ionic Global Sdn Bhd continues to support community health through safe and effective hygiene solutions. Powered by advanced HOCl technology, products such as Ombac+ Instant Hygiene Spray and Ombac+ Ultron provide reliable antimicrobial protection for both personal use and surface disinfection. Their non-toxic and gentle formulation allows for frequent use, making them suitable for daily protection in homes, workplaces, and public spaces. As we adapt to an endemic environment, the focus shifts from fear to preparedness. Staying informed, practicing consistent hygiene, and leveraging safe, science-backed solutions are essential steps toward safeguarding individual and community well-being. Together, through awareness and responsible action, we can continue to navigate these changes with confidence and resilience. Source: New COVID variant “Cicada” spreads across US – key facts and symptoms

HOCl Market Growth& Industry Outlook (2025–2034) According to Fortune Business Insights in its Hypochlorous Acid Market Report (2025), the global HOCl market was valued at approximately USD 1.90 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 3.32 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 6.4%. Asia Pacific led the market in 2025, accounting for 30.53% of total market share. The report highlights that the healthcare and wound/skin care segment continues to dominate the global HOCl market, reflecting the rising importance of safe, effective, and clinically aligned antimicrobial solutions. Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is widely positioned for wound and skin antisepsis, where its gentle tissue compatibility and non-toxic profile make it highly suitable for modern healthcare and personal care applications. This segment benefits from stronger value positioning, supported by stringent quality standards, regulatory considerations, and diversified channels across clinics, pharmacies, and branded consumer products. It is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.6% over the forecast period. Beyond healthcare, demand for HOCl is also expanding across household and institutional settings, driven by increasing preference for low-odor, low-residue disinfecting solutions. This segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8%, supported by broader retail availability and rising hygiene awareness across homes, workplaces, and public facilities. Meanwhile, the food processing and agriculture sectors remain important contributors, with HOCl widely used in wash and process water systems. Adoption is further supported by regulatory clarity for electrolytically generated HOCl, enabling efficient, scalable, and residue-conscious sanitation in high-throughput environments. In line with these market trends, Ionic Global Sdn Bhd is strategically positioned to serve high-value application segments through its IGTECH high-purity HOCl technology. The company’s Antaviro wound care range is designed for clinical-grade wound management, addressing the dual priorities of safety and efficacy in healthcare settings. Meanwhile, the Ombac+ series extends into personal care, household, and environmental hygiene, meeting the growing demand for gentle, effective, and residue-free disinfection solutions. By integrating high-purity HOCl technology with a diversified application portfolio, Ionic Global not only aligns with evolving market dynamics but also contributes to advancing HOCl from conventional disinfection toward higher-standard medical and lifestyle applications. This strengthens the company’s position in next-generation antimicrobial innovation. As industries continue to shift toward safer and more sustainable disinfection technologies, high-purity HOCl solutions powered by IGTECH are well-positioned to meet expanding needs across healthcare, hygiene, and environmental sectors. Ionic Global Sdn Bhd plays a growing role in advancing hypochlorous acid (HOCl) solutions in Malaysia, supporting the nation’s increasing emphasis on healthcare quality, public hygiene, and sustainable disinfection practices. Leveraging its IGTECH high-purity HOCl technology, the company is positioned to bridge clinical-grade standards with everyday applications, ensuring that safe, effective, and non-toxic antimicrobial solutions are accessible across both medical and community settings. In the healthcare sector, Ionic Global’s Antaviro Wound Care range is developed to support clinical wound management with a focus on safety, efficacy, and patient comfort. Designed for use in managing acute and chronic wounds, Antaviro utilizes high-purity HOCl to help reduce microbial load while maintaining gentle tissue compatibility—an important factor in supporting healing outcomes. By aligning with modern wound care practices, Antavirocontributes to improving patient care standards in clinics, pharmacies, and home-based treatment environments. Beyond healthcare, Ionic Global extends its impact into the community through Ombac+ Instant Hygiene Spray, providing a convenient and reliable solution for everyday protection. Suitable for personal, household, and public use, Ombac+ is formulated to deliver effective disinfection with low odor and no harmful residue, making it ideal for frequent use in shared spaces. As awareness of hygiene and infection prevention continues to grow in Malaysia, Ombac+ supports a safer environment by empowering individuals and communities with practical, science-based protection. Source: Fortune Business Insights, Hypochlorous Acid Market Report (2025).