Ansell Launches World's First Antimicrobial Surgical Glove

MELBOURNE, May 4 /CNW/ - Ansell today announced the launch of their new GAMMEX(R) Powder-Free glove with AMT Antimicrobial Technology, at the Annual Congress of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in Perth, Australia.

It is the first surgical glove which incorporates a proprietary antimicrobial coating to provide an additional level of protection to surgical staff against viruses and bacteria, in the event of a breach during surgery.

The last decade has witnessed a rapid expansion of the medical gloves market globally. Major drivers for this growth are improving healthcare systems around the world and the increasing awareness by healthcare workers that gloves offer an effective protective barrier against contamination from bacteria and viruses. Ansell's new AMT Antimicrobial Technology reduces surgical staff risks of exposure to blood-borne pathogens through a higher level of protection.

Extensive in vitro laboratory testing showed that the antimicrobial coating killed (greater than)99 per cent of Hepatitis C1 and 99 percent of HIV-1 (strain Mn) within 60 seconds of exposure through a simulated glove breach.

GAMMEX(R) Powder-Free glove with AMT Antimicrobial Technology also kills between 99.7% to (greater than)99.999% of 8 common healthcare infectious bacteria, comprising gram-positive, gram-negative, and drug-resistant bacteria (e.g. MRSA, VRE) within 60 seconds from exposure.

"Ansell's proprietary AMT Antimicrobial surgical glove technology is the result of intensive and collaborative research, and demonstrates the Company's ability for industry leading innovation and new product development", says Magnus Nicolin, CEO of Ansell Ltd.

"It also underscores Ansell's commitment to continuously invest in seeking optimal solutions to better protect healthcare professionals in a world with an increasing number of high risk pathogens", he continues.

GAMMEX(R) Powder-Free glove with AMT Antimicrobial Technology features a unique and proprietary inner coating, containing skin friendly agents and chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), an effective antimicrobial agent commonly found in products such as antiseptics and mouthwash.

Ansell's AMT Antimicrobial Technology is a world first and is now being launched in Australia. It will be progressively rolled out in all Ansell markets

1, Tested versus Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV), a common surrogate for Hepatitis C.

About Ansell

Ansell is a world leader in providing superior health and safety protection solutions that enhance human well being. With operations in the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific, Ansell employs more than 10,000 people worldwide and holds leading market positions in industrial and medical gloves. Ansell is also a leading player in the household gloves and condom market segment globally. Information on Ansell and its products can be found at http://www.ansell.com.

For further information: Information for Media: International, Wouter Piepers, Director Global Communications, T [phone], D [phone], M [phone], Email: [email protected]; Australia, Helen McCombie, Citadel PR, T [phone], D [phone], M 0411-756-248, Email: [email protected]; Information for Investors and Analysts: International, Rustom Jilla, Chief Financial Officer, Tel: [phone], Email: [email protected]; Australia, David Graham, General Manager - Finance & Treasury, Tel: [phone], Email: [email protected]