January 4, 2010
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Cantel Medical Corp. (NYSE:CMN) has made a strategic investment in Biosafe, Inc. and plans to incorporate the Biosafe antimicrobial additive in a number of products. The first product to be commercialized is the Ultra Sensitive Face Mask from Cantel’s Crosstex International division, which is introducing the mask in selected markets outside the United States. According to Crosstex, the Biosafe-treated mask features:
- Effectiveness against H1N1 (“swine flu”) and other Influenza A viruses, plus a wide range of other microorganisms, including MRSA bacteria, a chief cause of cross-infection in hospitals and schools. The company cites tests demonstrating that the new mask killed 98.500 to 99.999% of trapped viruses and bacteria within five minutes of contact (see table).
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Treatment with the Biosafe additive in an aqueous polymer dispersion, applied to the outer layer of the mask, a fluid-resistant spunbond material.
- Compliance with all U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-required toxicity tests and an approved EPA label.
EPA approval covering the sale of the treated mask in the U.S.A. for non-medical applications is pending. Within the United States, the sale of face masks 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, Crosstex 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 510(k) Premarket Notification submission.
For more information, visit www.crosstex.com.
Crosstex, 10 Ranick Road, Hauppauge, NY 11788.