Vanson HaloSource Inks Deal to License HaloShield to Medline For Use in Hospital Linens, Scrubs

:Vanson HaloSource Inks Deal to License HaloShield to Medline For Use in Hospital Linens, Scrubs

@bodt:REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Vanson HaloSource today announced it has reached an agreement to license its HaloShield N-halamine technology to Medline Industries, Inc., a leading privately owned medical supply company.

The three-year contract is expected to bring the Redmond-based company a minimum of $1 million in revenue over the life of the deal.

HaloShield is a patented coating and coating component that allows chlorine molecules to bind to any surface, creating a durable, long-lasting and renewable antimicrobial material. Medline plans to incorporate HaloShield Fabri-Kote -- the exclusive antimicrobial application for textiles and non-woven material -- on hospital sheets, pillowcases, scrubs and gowns.

According to Jerry Wetherbee, Vanson HaloSource's CEO, this is the first large-scale commercial application of HaloShield, a product that has broad applications across a variety of industries.

"HaloShield coatings extend the power of chlorine that allows product manufacturers to turn virtually any surface -- from a cotton sheet to a tile floor -- into a very durable antimicrobial surface," Wetherbee noted. "HaloShield-treated sheets harness chlorine to kill any virus, bacteria or mold in a matter of minutes. Once the chlorine is depleted, it can be renewed by simply washing the garment in chlorine bleach."

Ron Barth, president of Medline's Medcrest textiles division, discussed their search for a better fabric that would protect patients and healthcare workers.

"We looked at every antimicrobial treatment available and found that only HaloShield deals effectively with antibiotic resistant bacteria such as MRSA and VRE, as well as the growing threat of viruses, including HIV," Barth said. "HaloShield is going to give our customers a powerful tool in their ongoing battle to keep their patients and personnel safe."

The durable HaloShield coating remains on fabric for the life of the article. According to Vanson HaloSource, each HaloShield-treated sheet retains its antimicrobial qualities between regular launderings, and renews its power each time it is washed using ordinary bleach.

"On untreated fabrics, chlorine and its antimicrobial power simply evaporate as soon as it leaves the washing machine -- allowing new contaminants to grow freely," Wetherbee said. "We think of HaloShield as Velcro for chlorine molecules. HaloShield locks the chlorine in place until it comes into contact and kills the microbe, then it is released. Laundering the sheet or scrub in common bleach -- standard operating procedure in hospitals -- resets the chlorine on the fabric."

Rigorous laboratory and field tests have shown that HaloShield is non-irritating and safe for sensitive skin, even when applied to fabric worn or slept in on a daily basis.

Medline plans to roll out HaloShield-treated hospital sheets, pillowcases, scrubs and gowns in the second quarter of 2004.

In addition to HaloShield Fabri-Kote for textiles and non-wovens, Vanson HaloSource produces a range of antimicrobial applications, including Hygieni-Kote coatings for hard surfaces and Poli-Kote components for paints.

Source: Vanson HaloSource