TSO3 Receives FDA 510(k) Clearance for Universal Design of STERIZONE® VP4 Sterilizer

QUÉBEC CITY, March 28, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - TSO₃ Inc. (TSX: TOS), an innovator in sterilization technology for medical devices in healthcare settings, has received FDA 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a universal design of its STERIZONE^® VP4 Sterilizer.

The STERIZONE^® VP4 Sterilizer was originally cleared for commercialization in the U.S. in December 2014. The new clearance enables the company to streamline assembly and shipping around a single sterilizer platform that meets global regulations for electromechanical design.

"Obtaining this clearance is significant in two ways," said R.M. (Ric) Rumble, TSO₃'s president and CEO. "First, since the new design addresses all applicable country and regional requirements for electrical scheme and hazardous substance restrictions, we can now harmonize production around a single design. This will allow us to reduce inventory costs and complexity, while improving production rates and efficiency."

"Secondly, given the updated device maintains the same performance standards, including with sterilization of multi-channel flexible endoscopes, the STERIZONE^® VP4 Sterilizer will now have the same claims language in both Europe and Canada," said Rumble. "This will provide clarity to our customers, while facilitating sales and marketing in both regions. In sum, this clearance paves the way for us to sell a single product with consistent design and claims language around the globe."  

In December 2015, TSO₃ announced that it had completed studies in order to support expanded use of the STERIZONE^® VP4 Sterilizer in the U.S. and had filed for such claims with the U.S. FDA. FDA clearance of the additional claims would represent an entirely new level of patient protection against ineffective device reprocessing resulting from the use of less robust disinfecting systems, particularly for multi-channel endoscopic devices such as colonoscopes. The expanded claims sought in the U.S. represent similar claims for the STERIZONE^® VP4 Sterilizer available in Canada and Europe. 

In November of 2015, TSO₃ signed Getinge Infection Control AB, a global leader in infection control solutions, as the exclusive distributor for the STERIZONE^® VP4 Sterilizer. Getinge has submitted purchase orders for the full amount of its minimum purchase commitment for 2016, with the first shipments rolled out in January. The company believes it is in a position to assemble and deliver in excess of 100 sterilizers in 2016. 

About the STERIZONE^® VP4 low temperature sterilizer

The STERIZONE^® VP4 Sterilizer developed by TSO₃ is a dual sterilant, low temperature sterilization system that utilizes vaporized hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and ozone. Its single cycle can sterilize a large number and wide range of compatible devices, thereby allowing for a cost effective and error-free sterilization process. TSO₃'s unique Dynamic Sterilant Delivery System^TM automatically adjusts the quantity of injected sterilant based on the load composition, weight and temperature. With its large 75 lb load capacity and a short cycle time, the STERIZONE^® VP4 Sterilizer can enhance throughput and lower sterilization cost. In December 2014, the STERIZONE^® VP4 Sterilizer was cleared for commercialization in the U.S.

More information about the STERIZONE^® VP4 Sterilizer is available on the company's website: www.tso3.com/en/products/sterizone-vp4/

About TSO₃

Founded in 1998, TSO₃'s activities encompass the sale, production, maintenance, research, development and licensing of sterilization processes, related consumable supplies and accessories for heat-sensitive medical devices. The Company designs products for sterile processing areas in the hospital environment that offer an advantageous replacement solution to other low temperature sterilization processes currently used in hospitals. It also offers services related to the maintenance of sterilization equipment and compatibility testing of medical devices with such processes.

For more information about TSO₃, visit www.tso3.com or contact Liolios Group at 949 574-3860 or email [email protected] or Renmark Financial Communications at 416 644-2020 or 514 939-3989 or by email at [email protected].

The statements in this release and oral statements made by representatives of TSO₃ relating to matters that are not historical facts (including, without limitation, those regarding the timing or outcome of TSO₃'s sales, business or operations) are forward-looking statements that involve certain risks, uncertainties and hypotheses, including, but not limited to, general business and economic conditions, the condition of the financial markets, the ability of TSO₃ to obtain financing on favourable terms and other risks and uncertainties. 

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities, in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

The TSX has neither approved nor disapproved the information contained herein and accepts no responsibility for it.

SOURCE TSO3 Inc.

Company Contacts: TSO3 Inc., R.M. (Ric) Rumble, President and CEO, Tel: [phone], Email: [email protected]; TSO3 Inc., Glen Kayll, CFO, Tel: [phone], Email: [email protected]; Investor Relations: Liolios Group, Inc., Ron Both, Tel: [phone], [email protected]; Renmark Financial Communications Inc., Barry Mire, Tel: [phone] or 514 939-3989, [email protected]