World's first^*1 human clinical trial demonstrating the effectiveness of nanoe™ (hydroxyl radicals contained in water) technology against pollen symptoms

Verification conducted in a large 75-cubic-meter space*²

Tokyo, Japan, February 12, 2026 – Panasonic Corporation (https://holdings.panasonic/global/) (Panasonic) today announced that, through a joint study with Professor Shigeharu Fujieda of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Fukui School of Medical Sciences, it has demonstrated for the first time in the world*¹ that Panasonic's nanoe™ (hydroxyl radicals contained in water) technology significantly improves overall pollen‑related symptoms in a human clinical trial.

In Japan, an estimated 42.5% of the population suffers from pollen allergies.*³ Pollen that enters indoor spaces can remain suspended for a certain period of time,*⁴ contributing to worsening symptoms indoors, including the so‑called "morning attack," where symptoms peak immediately after waking.*⁵ Despite this, effective countermeasures remain limited.

Panasonic has previously verified that nanoe™ (hydroxyl radicals contained in water) technology suppresses 17 major types of domestic pollen and inhibits allergic reactions at the cellular level. However, the impact of nanoe™ (hydroxyl radicals contained in water) exposure on naturally occurring pollen and its effect on human symptoms had not been demonstrated.

In this study, participants*⁶ entered a large test space of 75 m³ containing naturally dispersed pollen, in an environment designed to approximate real-life conditions. Symptom changes were evaluated with nanoe™ (hydroxyl radicals contained in water) technology active or inactive. Under conditions designed to eliminate placebo effects and evaluator bias, results showed a statistically significant improvement in symptoms when a test device equipped with nanoe™ (hydroxyl radicals contained in water) technology was used. It should be noted that this study was conducted under the test conditions described below using a test device and does not guarantee identical effects in actual living environments.

Panasonic will continue to advance research on the real-world usefulness of nanoe™ (hydroxyl radicals contained in water) technology, including its potential influence on human immune responses, and will pursue further technological development and explore its potential to contribute to safer and more comfortable indoor environments.

Comments from Professor Shigeharu Fujieda, Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Fukui School of Medical Sciences

image: Professor Shigeharu Fujieda, Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Fukui School of Medical Sciences

Pollen allergy has become so widespread in Japan that it is often referred to as a national disease, yet current countermeasures, such as masks and medication, tend to impose inconvenience on daily life. In addition, pollen that enters indoor spaces can remain for extended periods, sometimes for several months. In this clinical trial, conducted in a large space of approximately 75 m³—larger than a typical living room—we demonstrated that pollen symptoms can be significantly improved without placing any burden on participants. The study was also designed to eliminate participant expectations and evaluator bias, thereby increasing the reliability of the results. Based on these findings, nanoe™ (hydroxyl radicals contained in water) technology shows promise as a new option for pollen-allergy countermeasures.

*The above comments were provided by Professor Fujieda at Panasonic's request and have been edited for publication.

Key Points of the Verification Study

Real-world conditions
Human clinical trial conducted in a large space of approximately 75 m³ containing naturally dispersed outdoor pollen
Test design
Double-blind methodology in which neither participants nor evaluators knew whether nanoe™ (hydroxyl radicals contained in water) technology was active, eliminating psychological bias
Demonstration of effectiveness
Using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), a widely adopted evaluation method in clinical research and medical fields, this study demonstrated for the first time in the world that nanoe™ (hydroxyl radicals contained in water) technology significantly improves pollen-related symptoms*¹

Overview of the Verification Study

Figure 1: Overview of test conditions

Research institution:
Joint study conducted with the University of Fukui School of Medical Sciences
Participants:
101 men and women aged 18–65 who self-reported nasal symptoms caused by Japanese cedar pollen
Test environment:
A conference room of approximately 75 m³ containing naturally dispersed outdoor pollen
Test conditions:
Comparison between two rooms—one equipped with a test device using nanoe™ (hydroxyl radicals contained in water) technology and one with a non-nanoe™ (hydroxyl radicals contained in water) technology
Pollen source:
Naturally dispersed outdoor pollen introduced into the room through 30 minutes of ventilation
Evaluation metric:
VAS (Visual Analogue Scale)
Evaluation method:
Symptom changes were recorded over time, using the moment immediately after entering each room as the baseline.
A double-blind design ensured that neither participants nor analysts knew whether nanoe™ (hydroxyl radicals contained in water) technology was active

Figure 2: Summary of test results

Results:
The study demonstrated for the first time in the world that overall pollen symptoms were significantly improved in environments where nanoe™ (hydroxyl radicals contained in water) technology was active

■Principle of nanoe™ (hydroxyl radicals contained in water) generation

Figure 3: nanoe™ (hydroxyl radicals contained in water) generator

The atomizing electrode is cooled using a Peltier element, causing moisture in the air to condense into water. When a high voltage is applied between the atomizing electrode and the opposing electrode, nanoe™ (hydroxyl radicals contained in water) particles containing hydroxyl radicals are generated. These particles measure approximately 5–20 nanometers in diameter (Figure 3).

◆Summary of this press release
https://www.panasonic.com/global/consumer/nanoe/ja/topics/260212.html
◆Previous research findings on nanoe™ (hydroxyl radicals contained in water) technology
https://www.panasonic.com/global/consumer/clean/hydroxyl.html

*1: Clinical verification of pollen-allergy symptoms using ion-emission air purification technologies (Panasonic research as of February 26, 2026)

*2: Test conditions differ from actual usage environments.

*3: Source: Japan Society of Immunology, Allergology and Infection in Otorhinolaryngology, "Practical Guideline for the Management of Allergic Rhinitis in Japan"

*4: Source: Tadao Enomoto, "Japanese Cedar Pollen in Floating Indoor House Dust after a Pollinating Season"

*5: Source: Atsuto Nakao, "Clockwork Allergy"

*6: Participants were 101 men and women aged 18–65 who self-reported nasal symptoms caused by Japanese cedar pollen.

Customer Contact:

Living Appliances and Solutions Company, Panasonic Corporation
Devices Products Business Unit, Beauty and Personal Care Business Division
Telephone: +81-(0)749-27-0485 (available 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays)

About Panasonic Corporation

Panasonic Corporation offers products and services for a variety of living environments, ranging from homes to stores to offices and cities. There are five businesses at the core of Panasonic Corporation: Living Appliances and Solutions Company, Heating & Ventilation A/C Company, Cold Chain Solutions Company, Electric Works Company and China and Northeast Asia Company. The operating company reported consolidated net sales of 3,584.2 billion yen for the year ended March 31, 2025. Panasonic Corporation is committed to fulfilling the mission of Life Tech & Ideas: For the wellbeing of people, society and the planet, and embraces the vision of becoming the best partner of your life with human-centric technology and innovation. Learn more about Panasonic: https://www.panasonic.com/global/about.html

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