LEAWOOD, Kan., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- The challenge of joining the fight against healthcare acquired infections -- the fourth-largest killer in the United States -- has drawn a global pharmaceutical executive to Leawood, Kan.- based Medi-Flex, Inc. Medi-Flex is the maker of a full line of superior antiseptic skin preparations used to help reduce bacteria that potentially can cause skin infections, benefiting millions of patients receiving a wide range of medical procedures every year.
The company today announced James Mitchum, former president of Sanofi- Aventis Group in Japan, has been named president and chief operating officer, replacing the retiring Lyle Clayton.
He joins the privately-held company as it continues to experience rapid growth, quadrupling sales since the 2000 introduction of its flagship product, ChloraPrep(R), the first FDA-approved patient preoperative skin preparation solution in the United States with a 2 percent chlorhexidine gluconate and 70 percent isopropyl alcohol formulation.
“Medi-Flex is benefiting from a rare opportunity: We are losing a great, trusted, and dedicated executive, but simultaneously filling that void with an immensely qualified, visionary leader,” said Joe Brandmeyer, who founded the company in 1985 and serves as chairman and chief executive officer. “We will deeply miss the everyday contributions Lyle made to our business and to our lives. At the same time, we have every confidence Jim’s global experience and expertise will help us achieve our goals and make a difference to health care worldwide.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate two million patients suffer from health care acquired infections each year resulting in at least 90,000 deaths -- as many deaths as AIDS, breast cancer, and auto accidents combined. Further, a recent report in Pennsylvania found in that state alone, 11,668 health care acquired infections were associated with an additional 1,510 deaths, 205,000 extra hospital days, and $2 billion in hospital charges last year.
“Medi-Flex already has the key pieces in place to become a global leader -- committed people and a product that is truly best-in-class,” Mitchum said. “After spending years at a company focused on treating disease, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work to prevent it. Ultimately, my job is to build on what the Brandmeyer family and others have created so that we can deliver the benefits of ChloraPrep(R) and our other products to the largest market in the most effective way, and truly become a company that helps improve global healthcare.”
In 2004, Mr. Mitchum was named president of the $1.5 billion Sanofi- Aventis Group Japan, based in Tokyo. While there, he managed the combined operations of the Group, including R&D, manufacturing and pharma operations, with 1,300 medical representatives, and reported to the global head of Pharma Operations for Sanofi-Aventis. Prior to that, he served as president, Aventis Japan, and chief executive, Aventis UK, with responsibility for the UK, the Netherlands, and Ireland.
Mr. Mitchum was a member of the executive committee for Sanofi-Aventis, corporate controller for Hoechst Marion Roussel in Frankfurt, and chief financial officer for Hoechst Marion Roussel North America in Kansas City. Before joining HMR, he was vice president and controller for Marion Merrell Dow North America, also based in Kansas City.
Mr. Mitchum earned his MBA at the University of Tennessee. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in business and math from Milligan College in Tennessee.
About Medi-Flex, Inc.
Medi-Flex is the leader in providing innovative products and clinical education that improve the quality of healthcare. From peripheral IV insertion to major surgery, Medi-Flex is the only company that provides a full line of chlorhexidine gluconate antiseptic skin preps that meet the unique needs of each hospital department. Founded by Joe Brandmeyer in 1985, Medi-Flex has a 20-year history of leading innovative clinical formulation and development of antiseptic skin products. In November 2000, Medi-Flex launched a revolutionary antiseptic product, called ChloraPrep One-Step(R). ChloraPrep(R) is the first FDA-approved patient preoperative skin prep that meets CDC guidelines in the United States with a 2 percent chlorhexidine gluconate and 70 percent isopropyl alcohol formulation. In addition to producing millions of ampoules, unit-dose antiseptics, and kits, Medi-Flex also provides private label manufacturing services for a number of nationally recognized first-aid and industrial products and companies. Medi-Flex is based in Leawood, Kan., with manufacturing and distribution facilities in El Paso, Texas, and sales associates located throughout the United States.
Medi-Flex, Inc.
CONTACT: Jeff Shafer of Fleishman-Hilliard Kansas City for Medi-Flex,Inc., +1-816-512-2244, shaferj@fleishman.com
