Nexera Medical Receives Simultaneous FDA 510K and NIOSH Clearance of New SpectraShield(TM) Antibacterial N95 Respirator Mask Using Fosshield(R) Technology
“Nexera developed this technology in response to existing health threats and the possibility of new strains of harmful microorganisms,” said Paul Sallarulo, Nexera President and CEO. “We understand the need for governments and public health officials to have access to cutting edge technology that will help them prepare for and respond to future disease outbreaks and/or pandemics.”
The SpectraShieldTM is an innovative, antibacterial mask that protects against, and actually kills bacteria with which it comes into contact. Through the use of Fosshield® fiber system, a patented technology which permanently embeds a non-toxic active silver and copper antimicrobial agent into the fibers of the material, bacteria is unable to build up on the outer layers of the mask nor penetrate it over time. Independent testing in the United States has shown the mask’s ability to kill and inhibit the growth of a wide variety of bacteria, including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Streptococcus, and other harmful and deadly bacteria. In addition, independent testing in Europe has shown the SpectraShieldTM mask to inactivate a number of viruses by 99.9%. In developing the SpectraShieldTM mask, Nexera entered into a collaborative research and development relationship with Foss Manufacturing in Hampton, NH (“Foss”), the owner of the patented Fosshield® technology in return for exclusive rights to use Fosshield® in all textile-based healthcare products.
As governments work to guard against potential health threats, and while medical facilities are turning their focus to reducing hospital acquired infections, the SpectraShield’sTM one-of-a-kind technology serves as both a protective and cost-effective solution. The unique dual filtration and long-lasting antibacterial characteristics of the mask protect both users from becoming infected and the general public from being exposed to disease by an infected user. The SpectraShieldTM mask was tested against bacteria in an extended use test, which the mask was exposed to various conditions replicating real use over a 12 hour period. The SpectraShieldTM mask passed the prerequisite threshold set by the FDA for antibacterial kill performance.
Almost all government stockpiles must have on hand four to five masks per person, per day because most masks available today may need to be replaced and disposed of every three to five hours. In contrast, the SpectraShieldTM mask can be continuously worn over a 12 hour period, saving money and reducing the number of masks a government or medical facility must have on hand.
Nexera has also led the way in developing masks for children, which are currently in short supply. “Children are one of the most vulnerable groups during outbreaks but there are too few respirator masks made that will fit them properly,” said Dr. Sheldon Warman, an advisor and Board Member of Nexera.
Prior to receiving FDA and NIOSH clearance allowing commercialization of the mask in the United States, the SpectraShieldTM mask received regulatory approval in Canada and the European Union for an antimicrobial version of the SpectraShieldTM mask as a N99 respirator for Canada, or a FFP3 respirator for Europe. The SpectraShieldTM mask has been used by officials in Central and South America, the Middle East, and Europe, including the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) which purchased masks for their field officers in Mexico and Panama who were responding to the recent Swine Flu outbreak.
Nexera plans to rollout a portfolio of other textile based healthcare products made from Fosshield® technology, including other types of surgical and dental masks, mattress pads and covers, warming blankets, hospital uniforms, lab coats, wound care products, and hospital divider curtains, to name a few. All which are designed to assist hospitals in controlling or reducing “hospital acquired infections. This revolutionary Fosshield® fiber technology is ideally suited for infectious disease prevention.
SpectraShieldTM is a registered trademark of Nexera Medical, Inc.
Nexera Medical Inc. is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The company is engaged in the development, manufacturing, and distribution of antimicrobial respirator and surgical masks, as well as other planned antimicrobial textile based medical products such as medical slings, hospital divider curtains, lab coats, uniforms, mattress covers, filtration, surgical site aprons and hospital linen products worldwide. All of Nexera's products are designed to provide maximum protection against microorganisms such as bacteria, virus and fungus using Fosshield® patented technology. To learn more, visit www.nexeramed.com.
Foss Manufacturing Company, LLC, is located in Hampton, NH. For 57 years, it has been a leading innovator and pioneer in the specialty fibers, non-woven and needle-punch fabrics industry. Foss provides solutions for automotive, apparel, carpeting, construction, medical, and many other industries throughout the world. With hundreds of exclusive patents, Foss’ latest breakthrough is Fosshield®, a safe and highly effective antimicrobial fabric technology. In addition, Foss’ Eco-fi, is a high-quality textile fiber made from UL certified recycled plastic PET bottles. Foss’ well-known brands include The Kunin™ Group, manufacturer of felt and fabric for the crafting market, and Ozite®, manufacturer of specially engineered fabrics for specific consumer, commercial and industrial applications. To learn more, visit www.fossmfg.com.
Contact:
Nexera Medical, Inc. James Morrell, +1-954-495-2020