Cantel Medical's Crosstex Subsidiary Launches New Specially Treated Face Mask Effective Against H1N1 Influenza
October 13 2009 - 8:30AM
PR Newswire (US)
LITTLE FALLS, N.J., Oct. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- CANTEL
MEDICAL CORP. (NYSE:CMN), through its Crosstex International
subsidiary, has launched a unique face mask treated with BIOSAFEĀ®
antimicrobial in markets outside the United States. Crosstex' new
BIOSAFE-treated Ultra Sensitive face masks begin to reduce
microorganisms, such as MRSA, VRE and Staph, immediately upon
contact. These treated face masks have proven to be effective
against Influenza A strains, such as seasonal flu and the novel
H1N1 virus. Gary Steinberg, CEO of Crosstex, stated, "Face masks
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 face masks enhance the functionality of the mask by
effectively 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, is compatible with our
manufacturing process. We are impressed that the BIOSAFE treatment
chemically binds to the outer mask surface, creating a long-lasting
shield against microbial contamination. Even better, because
BIOSAFE mechanically kills cells, it will not cause the development
of more resistant 'superbugs'." Cantel's President and CEO, Andrew
Krakauer, explained, "BIOSAFE is an important component of our
strategic plan to expand our liquid chemical germicide business and
invest more aggressively in research and 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 additional infection
prevention and control products." Mr. Krakauer continued, "We have
invested significant dollars, resources and time towards this goal,
and it has been a superb cross-divisional effort that demonstrates
how we are gaining leverage from expertise in our various
companies." 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, 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 510(k) Premarket Notification submission. The Company is in the
process of submitting an application to the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency covering the sale of treated masks in the United
States for non-medical applications. About BIOSAFE, Inc.
Pittsburgh-based BIOSAFE, Inc. manufactures and sells an
antimicrobial polymer, HM 4100. HM4100 is effective in defending
against bacteria, fungi (mold and mildew), yeast, algae and even
certain viruses. BIOSAFE's patented technology is an excellent
antimicrobial additive for treating plastics, textiles, metals,
ceramics, and activated carbon, with superior performance and
economic benefits. For further information, visit the BIOSAFE
website at http://www.biosafe.com/. About Crosstex International,
Inc. A division of Cantel Medical Corp., Crosstex manufactures a
wide array of infection prevention and control products for the
healthcare industry. Founded in 1953 and headquartered in
Hauppauge, New York, Crosstex sells branded and private label
products including face masks, which are 100% manufactured in its
FDA-registered New York facility. Sold in more than 100 countries,
Crosstex products include sterilization pouches and accessories,
patient towels and bibs, eyewear, surface disinfectants and
deodorizers, germicidal wipes, hand sanitizers, gloves, sponges,
cotton products, needles and syringes, scalpels and blades, sharps
containers, saliva ejectors and evacuator tips. For further
information, visit the Crosstex website at
http://www.crosstex.com/. About Cantel Medical Corp. Cantel Medical
Corp. (NYSE:CMN) is a leading provider of infection prevention and
control products in the healthcare market. Our products include
specialized medical device reprocessing systems for renal dialysis
and endoscopy, dialysate concentrates and other dialysis supplies,
disposable infection prevention and control products primarily for
the dental industry, water purification equipment, sterilants,
disinfectants and cleaners, hollow fiber membrane filtration and
separation products for medical and non-medical applications, and
specialty packaging for infectious and biological specimens. We
also provide technical maintenance for our products and offer
compliance training services for the transport of infectious and
biological specimens. For more information please visit
http://www.cantelmedical.com/. This press release contains
forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve
a number of risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation,
the risks detailed in Cantel's filings and reports with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Such forward-looking statements
are only predictions, and actual events or results may differ
materially from those projected or anticipated. DATASOURCE: Cantel
Medical Corp. CONTACT: Andrew A. Krakauer, President and CEO of
Cantel Medical Corp. , +1-973-890-7220; or Richard E. Moyer of
Cameron Associates, Inc., +1-212-554-5466, Web Site:
http://www.cantelmedical.com/ http://www.biosafe.com/
http://www.crosstex.com/
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