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TSO3 and 3M agree toglobal channel partnership - 3M to begin rollout in sequential marketsas regulatory clearances are received
QUEBECCITY, Dec. 16 /CNW Telbec/ - TSO3 Inc. ("TSO3") (TSX: TOS) and 3M (MMM)today announced that an agreement has been reached for 3M to be theexclusive supplier and distributor of TSO3's STERIZONE(R) 125L+Sterilizer. The partnership with TSO3, an innovator in low temperaturesterilization technology for medical devices in healthcare settingsthrough the use of ozone, will include new cycles to reach acute carefacilities through 3M's global sales channel. This agreement, combinedwith recent improvements to the sterilizer performance in both cycletime and device compatibility, represents a significant step in themove to accelerate the product's adoption in the global marketplace.
"Ourenhanced product offering, having three significantly faster andgentler cycles, makes the STERIZONE(R) Sterilization System anexcellent alternative to shortcomings found in existing low temperaturesterilization products. Our ability to sterilize a wide range ofgeneral surgical instruments, rigid channelled devices as well assimple and complex flexible endoscopes makes us unique and a singlesolution to what has historically required two or more sterilizationtechnologies", Stated R.M. (Ric) Rumble, President and CEO of TSO3."The agreement signed today with 3M pairs innovation in technology withinnovation in marketing, sales and service on a global scale. Itsupports 3M's existing Infection Prevention business strategy, whilesignificantly enhancing market penetration of the TSO3 technology. Itis an excellent fit for our respective organizations and moreimportantly our mutual customers", Mr. Rumble continued.
Whilethe details of the agreement are not being released, provisions includean exclusive license fee of which a portion is to be paid upfront, withmilestone payments to be made linked to regulatory clearances, and,minimum purchases defined on an annual basis.
"We are verypleased to be able to offer this innovative technology to acute caresettings for low temperature sterilization," stated Debra A.Rectenwald, Vice President and General Manager of the 3M InfectionPrevention Division. "This technology is aligned with our 3M InfectionPrevention goals to partner with hospitals to reduce hospital-acquiredinfections (HAIs) and to meet the needs of our customers and thepatients they serve. The new agreement with TSO3 includes regionalcommercialization of the products as regulatory clearance orregistration is obtained and we are enthusiastic to be able to offerthis unique technology globally".
About 3M Infection Prevention Division
The3M Infection Prevention Division offers healthcare professionalsleadership solutions to minimize the risks of healthcare-associatedinfections. Combining science and technology, 3M Infection Preventionis built upon more than 40 distinct technology platforms and acomprehensive portfolio of quality products that help the healthcareindustry define and address current infection prevention bestpractices. 3M Infection Prevention remains a trusted partner committedto helping customers lead the way in detecting, preventing andcontrolling the risk of infection. For more information, visitwww.3M.com/infectionprevention.
About 3M
A recognizedleader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovativeproducts for dozens of diverse markets. 3M's core strength is applyingits more than 40 distinct technology platforms - often in combination -to a wide array of customer needs. With US $24 billion in sales, 3Memploys 75,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 60countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com.
About TSO3
TSO3,founded in Qu Debec City in 1998, specializes in the research anddevelopment of innovative, high-performance medical instrumentsterilization technology with high commercial potential. The Company'sfirst product, the TSO3 STERIZONE(R) 125L Sterilizer, is designed forsterile processing centers in the hospital environment. The Companybelieves that its technology represents an advantageous replacementsolution to other low temperature sterilization processes currentlyused in hospitals.
In contrast to other methods, the ozonesterilization process developed and patented by TSO3 combinesattributes that answer market needs for: efficacy, costs savings,increased safety for patients and hospital staff, and a "green"environmentally safe process.
The TSO3 STERIZONE(R) 125LSterilizer is cleared for commercialization by the US and Canadianregulatory agencies for sterilization of metal and heat sensitiveinstruments, as well as for devices with diffusion-restricted spaces,such as rigid endoscopes having a single stainless steel channel. In2009, the Company received clearance from Health Canada and the UnitedStates regulatory agency for sterilization of additional complexmedical devices, including multi-channel flexible endoscopes.
For more information about TSO3, visit the Company's Web site at www.tso3.com.
Thestatements in this release and oral statements made by representativesof TSO3 relating to matters that are not historical facts (including,without limitation, those regarding the timing or outcome of anyfinancing undertaken by TSO3) are forward-looking statements thatinvolve certain risks, uncertainties and hypotheses, including, but notlimited to, general business and economic conditions, the condition ofthe financial markets, the ability of TSO3 to obtain financing onfavourable terms and other risks and uncertainties. The TSX has neitherapproved nor disapproved the information contained herein and acceptsno responsibility for it.