A new innovation in HAI prevention

Doctor, where do hospitals currently stand in their fight against HAIs?
James Hosler. Unfortunately, most hospitals are in an extremely weak and vulnerable position. Bacteria like MRSA and C-Diff have grown stronger, while hand washing technologies have not. The industry is facing increasing infection rates, poor scores on JCAHO scorecards, and the financial burden of paying for treatment of infections acquired by patients while under their care. That's why it's imperative for hospitals to innovate and reduce the risk of HAIs.

Do you see any solutions that would help protect hospitals from these costly threats to their business?
JH. Yes, our belief is that innovations in hand washing protocols and products are key to a hospital's financial success and ultimate survival. Hospitals must recognize the need to innovate and fight HAI's differently, because current protocols are no longer effective - and in reality, haven't been for quite some time.

It's this reality that led us to develop our new Microdine™ Hand Scrub product. It's an innovation based on a very crucial need recognized years ago by the renowned Nobel Laureate Dr. Joshua Lederberg. Dr. Lederberg correctly identified the need to address alcohol's ineffectiveness to control HAI's and improve hand-washing compliance. His suggestions inspired us to pursue paths that led to remarkable innovations in antiseptics.

You seem to be implying current hand washing practices are ineffective.
JH. Yes, let me explain. Both hand washing products and protocols need improvement. For instance, alcohol is effective at killing some germs, but not all. For example, certain C-Diff spores are frequently resistant to destruction by alcohol. Furthermore, alcohol-based antiseptics routinely damage skin when used repetitively. This has the undesirable effect of reducing compliance. By comparison, Microdine Hand Scrub kills 99.99% of germs, including MRSA and C-Diff spores, and persists with anti-microbial activity for 6 hours, yet remains gentle to the skin. Because it contains an active skin protectant (0.5% Allantoin), it actually promotes healthy skin growth.

It is important that we institute a protocol that addresses the full threat that HAIs represent. If we can introduce a Category 1 hand antisesptic that provides a persistence effect and combine that with the current hand washing procedures, we can decrease the incidence of HAIs while increasing compliance.

Has Microdine satisfied the FDA Tentative Final Monograph for Effectiveness Testing of a Surgical Hand Scrub?
JH. Yes. BioScience Labs independently tested and verified that Microdine successfully meets the requirements of that FDA monograph. The test results and final report can be viewed at www.microdine.com. Microdine uses our patented Nouristrat™ system to electro-statically bond a long-lasting protective layer to the surface of the skin. It kills germs in compliance with the FDA's highest standards, which require Category I antiseptics to be fast acting, broad spectrum, and inhibit bacterial growth for 6 hours. At the same time, it helps prevent cracked skin and promotes the growth of healthy skin. We like to think of it as a "win-win-win," because Microdine literally offers it all - persistent germ control, healthier skin, and improved daily compliance. It's the "Holy Grail" of hand washing protocol - a product whose time has come.

Why is Microdine such an important breakthrough for use by health care professionals?
JH. Health care workers are on the front line of Hospital Acquired Infections. Health care professionals are the most exposed and at risk for HAIs, yet protocols at most hospitals do not provide protection against the most serious threats. No hand sanitizing product can match all of these Microdine claims:

• Category 1 antiseptic
• "Surgical scrub" approved for use by surgeons and nurses in surgery
• Kills 99.99% of germs
• Persists for six hours
• Kills MRSA and C-DIFF spores
• FDA approved skin protectant
• Alcohol free and no parabens
• Gentle and non-irritating

What needs to change to make our hospitals safe?
JH. We need real change in three areas:

Hospitals need to immediately change their protocol to implement Microdine Hand Scrub. The ability to make health care workers hands actively anti-microbial for 6 hours combined with an instant kill of 99.99% of bacteria including C-Diff and MRSA would be an immediate improvement.

The FDA needs to get serious about hand sanitization. The FDA's current "Tentative Final Monograph" has remained incomplete for more than 20 years. This monograph does not address virus threats at all. In a world where we are living in a level 6 global pandemic due to a virus, this is simply unacceptable. The FDA prohibits any H1N1 claims for OTC products without going through a New Drug Application (NDA). We all know that is not practical for an OTC drug with a cost of pennies per application. According to the FDA, the NDA process average over 8 years. Experts estimate the cost to successfully complete a NDA often exceeds $100 million. We face new virus threats every year, sometimes multiple times in a year. A seven year response is inadequate. We need to work together with the FDA to set up stringent tests that can be rapidly implemented to determine the effectiveness of products against the bacteria's and viruses that threaten the world. We need improved education and compliance. This will require significant communication programs and even changes in the design of our facilities to make washing the hands ofpatients, health care workers and visitors easier. Our hospitalscan be a model of good sanitization.

How can someone order Microdine or learn more about it?
JH. Go to www.microdine.com or call toll free at (877) 710-6958.

Any last thoughts Dr. Hosler?
JH. Yes. As health care providers, we all share a common mission to address the

growing threat of Hospital Acquired Infections. Our vision at DRSS Global is to change the way the world protects itself from contamination by bacteria, viruses, and other germs. We believe our products make a meaningful contribution to this mission. And finally, I would like to thank EHM for providing the forum for this important discussion.