Sciessent Announces a Recent Clinical Study that Points to Success in Reducing Catheter Related Bloodstream Infections

WAKEFIELD, Mass., September 10, 2012 –Sciessent, makers of Agion branded antimicrobial solutions for consumer, industrial and healthcare markets today announced the findings of a recent clinical study that shows a statistically significant reduction in catheter-related bloodstream infections when the catheters were treated with Agion antimicrobial technology. In addition, the clinical study shows that subjects in the Agion treated group had shorter hospital stays and a lower case fatality rate due to catheter related bloodstream infections.

The study, “Reduction of catheter-related bloodstream infections in preterm infants by the use of catheters with the Agion antimicrobial system,” was conducted by the Department of Surgical and Medical Critical Care, Section of Neonatalogy, Careggi University of Florence, Viale Morgagni, 85, 50134 Florence Italy. The study aimed to assess if use of a silver zeolite (Agion technology) treated umbilical catheter can decrease the occurrence of catheter related bloodstream infection (CRBSIs) in preterm infants.

Study Design: Infants with gestational age of 30 weeks were selected at random to receive an Agion treated or non-treated polyurethane umbilical venous catheter (UVC). The primary endpoint was the incidence of CRBSIs during the time the UVC was in place.

Results: 86 infants were studied, 41 of whom received the Agion catheter and 45 the non-treated catheter. During umbilical venous catheterization 2% of infants in the Agion group developed CRBSI in comparison with 22% of infants in the control group. Agion catheters were well tolerated and none of the patients showed signs attributable to silver toxicity.

Conclusions: The Agion treated UVCs were effective in decreasing the development of CRBSIs in preterm infants compared to non-treated polyurethane UVCs. Infants in the Agion group had shorter hospital stays and a lower case fatality rate due to BSI.

“We are extremely pleased that Agion antimicrobial technology has once again proven to play such a vital role in helping prevent catheter related bloodstream infections,” said Paul Ford, chief executive officer of Sciessent. “In the wake of this study, we look forward to continuing our success as the leading antimicrobial partner to the healthcare industry.”

Agion branded antimicrobial technology makes products cleaner and longer lasting with silver, copper and zinc, beneficial elements proven in use throughout history. Agion antimicrobial technology provides built-in protection by continuously resisting the growth of microbes. Agion antimicrobial can be applied to virtually any material or surface.

The Agion® Antimicrobial is presently registered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as a preservative and bacteriostatic agent for use in treated articles under 40 CFR 152.25a. The data presented herein is not intended to support or endorse public health claims for treated articles. The Agion Antimicrobial is also used on Medical Device under the Food and Drug Administration;those medical device claims are based on safety and efficacy testing and are limited to those approved by FDA.

About Sciessent

Sciessent, located in Wakefield, Mass., is a leader in providing customized solutions that enhance the value of partners’ products. Sciessent’s Agion, Agion Active and Agion Lava brands are based on naturally occurring elements and have been incorporated into a wide range of consumer, industrial and healthcare products, including cell phones, shoes, keyboards, water filters, medical catheters and ice machines. Sciessent’s customers include many leading brands such as Dell, Motorola, Columbia, Adidas, PPG, Carrier and DuPont.

For more information about Sciessent, please visit www.sciessent.com; for the Agion brand, please visit www.agion-tech.com and www.agionactive.com and follow the Agion brand’s exciting consumer campaign on Facebook and/or Twitter.