UV Medico Wins Editor’s Choice Award at INTERPHEX 2026 for Far-UVC Cleanroom Innovation

At this year’s INTERPHEX, I had the opportunity to present what I believe is a meaningful step forward in cleanroom decontamination: the integration of Far-UVC technology directly into standard lighting infrastructure. It was therefore especially rewarding to see our UV222 Dual Downlight 60x60 receive the Editor’s Choice Award – presented by The Editor of American Pharmaceutical Review and Pharmaceutical Outsourcing - rewarding the very best in knowledge, innovation and state-of-the-art technologies at INTERPHEX 2026.

The UV222 Dual Downlight 60x60, launched by UV Medico in 2025, introduces continuous microbial reduction directly into standard cleanroom lighting infrastructure. By integrating high-efficiency LED illumination with filtered Far-UVC technology at 222 nm, the fixture transforms a conventional ceiling light into an active decontamination system capable of operating safely in occupied environments. 

Continuous Cleanroom Decontamination

In my presentation, I focused on a simple but important principle: decontamination should not be limited to periodic cleaning that allow bioburden to build up in between. Instead, it should be continuous throughout the day to maintain consistently low levels of bioburden. This is made possible by Far-UVC technology, which is designed to operate in occupied spaces using a wavelength with a favorable safety profile for human exposure.

By combining Far-UVC decontamination with standard LED lighting in a single ceiling-mounted fixture, we enable continuous air and surface decontamination without disrupting existing workflows.

Efficacy Documented Real-World Cleanroom Installations

What makes the Far-UVC approach particularly compelling is that its efficacy is supported by real-world data. In 2025, pharmaceutical pilot facilities implemented ceiling-mounted Far-UVC systems and conducted environmental monitoring before and after activation, collecting microbial samples from both air and surfaces.

The results speak for themselves. Following activation of Far-UVC, the bioburden, measured as colony forming units (CFU), was reduced markedly in high-grade cleanrooms. These reductions were accompanied by a measurable decrease in contamination-related excursions, demonstrating not only improved air quality and contamination levels, but also tangible operational benefits.

Far-UVC Designed for Occupied Spaces

The ability to continuously reduce bioburden in cleanrooms, while maintaining normal lighting conditions and uninterrupted operations, represents a shift in how we approach microbial decontamination.

Receiving the Editor’s Choice Award at INTERPHEX 2026 is an important milestone, but more importantly, it reinforces the direction we are taking: developing Far-UVC solutions to help redefine decontamination standards in cleanroom environments.

For a more comprehensive description of the UV222 Dual Downlight 60x60, please read more here.

I look forward to continuing this conversation with the industry and to seeing how these technologies can further support safer, more efficient pharmaceutical manufacturing.