New Ultra Sensitive facemasks to protect against seasonal and swine flu

Oct 14 2009

BIOSAFE, Inc., a company that manufactures and sells a novel antimicrobial polymer, has announced that they are launching in specific markets outside the United States through a unique facemask treated with BIOSAFE(®). Crosstex' new BIOSAFE-treated Ultra Sensitive facemasks begin to reduce microorganisms such as MRSA, VRE, and Staph immediately upon contact, and have further proven to be effective against Influenza A strains such as seasonal flu and the novel H1N1 virus.

Gary Steinberg, CEO of Crosstex, stated, "Facemasks serve as the first line of defense against airborne particles by trapping them in the filter media. However, live microorganisms can continue to live on the mask surface. Our new BIOSAFE treated Ultra Sensitive facemasks enhance the functionality of the mask by actually killing the harmful microorganisms, reducing the cross-contamination risk from touching the mask itself, and creating a safer environment upon disposal of the mask. The BIOSAFE treatment additive, as approved by the EPA, was compatible with our manufacturing process. We were attracted to the product since it chemically binds to the outer mask surface creating a long-lasting shield against microbial contamination and, because BIOSAFE mechanically kills cells, therefore will not cause development of more resistant 'superbugs'."

Max Fedor, President and CEO of BIOSAFE declared, "In the simplest terms, BIOSAFE's HM4100 is better, faster, and less costly as an antimicrobial additive. It provides protection for the life of the product and because of the way it works it does not promote adaptive organisms or 'superbugs'. Our product's safety is unparalleled and it has passed all required toxicity tests and received an EPA label. It has also passed USP / ISO biocompatibility tests that are normally required for medical device materials."

He continued, "The worldwide market for antimicrobials is $6 billion and some of the solutions historically deployed need to be upgraded to improved science such as BIOSAFE's. Our product is non-leaching, has no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), heavy metals, or polychlorinated phenols. We provide significant benefits in manufacturability thereby reducing hurdles to adoption, while lowering the ultimate costs in the process."

Cantel's President and CEO, Andrew Krakauer explained, "BIOSAFE is an important component of our strategic plans to expand our liquid chemical germicide business and invest more aggressively in research & development. Given the unique performance, manufacturability, and cost advantages of this additive, Cantel has embarked on a number of internal R&D initiatives to incorporate BIOSAFE into a variety of its other products." Mr. Krakauer continued, "We have invested significant dollars, resources, and time towards this goal and it has been a fantastic cross-divisional effort that demonstrates how we are gaining leverage from the expertise in our different companies."

Within the United States, the sale of facemasks treated with BIOSAFE antimicrobial for medical applications is subject to a 510(k) clearance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. At this time the Company is awaiting publication of the latest revision of the FDA Guidance Document pertaining to antimicrobial treatments of medical devices prior to the filing of its application. The Company is in the process of submitting an application with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency covering the sale of treated masks in the United States for non-medical applications.