Sage Products, 3M Infection Prevention Announce Agreement

Sage Products, Inc. and the 3M Infection Prevention Division have entered into an agreement in which Sage Products will purchase pre-filled, single dose bottles of 3M Peridex Oral Rinse for its Q-Care® Rx systems, effective immediately. The agreement brings together two well established companies who offer high quality brand-name products in several areas of healthcare ranging from oral care to hand hygiene and patient prepping.

The companies are exploring additional opportunities to partner on a variety of initiatives designed to minimize the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Under the banner of "Partners for Prevention," the companies are pursuing initiatives such as joint customer education programs and possible expansion into international markets.

"3M and Sage Products are by far the most recognized leaders in this market and it made sense for our companies to work together. Both brands are known for their quality and integrity. We've been looking for ways to work together on prevention and education initiatives with the goal of achieving greater patient care outcomes," says Scott Brown, president and COO of Sage Products.

"3M is excited to embark on this business venture with Sage. Customer education and product innovation are integral to our culture, and we look forward to working with Sage on these types of endeavors," says Debra Rectenwald, president and general manager of 3M Infection Prevention Division.

The Sage Products' oral care franchise, including Q-Care Rx systems, accounts for a 91 percent share of the U.S. hospital market, according to GHX National Trend Report. Additionally, Sage Products sells its oral care products in Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia and South America.

Q-Care Rx systems provide a proven, comprehensive approach to oral care, combining cleaning, debriding, suctioning and moisturizing the oral cavity. This practice is widely recommended in published guidelines from the CDC, AACN, APIC and SHEA organizations. Recently, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) added daily comprehensive oral care with 0.12 percent chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) to its recommended ventilator bundle advising comprehensive oral care with CHG for hospitals striving to achieve their prevention goals.

Peridex (Chlorhexidine Gluconate 0.12 percent) Oral Rinse from 3M is supported by more than 20 years of clinical proof in reducing gingivitis. Peridex Oral Rinse provides antimicrobial activity during oral rinsing and does not cause bacterial resistance. Peridex Oral Rinse is FDA approved.