Advanced Sterilization Products, a Johnson & Johnson Company, Introduces STERRAD 100S Sterilization System.

Business Editors and Health/Medical Writers

IRVINE, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--Sept. 6, 2000

New Low-Temperature Sterilizer Offers Faster Processing Time,

Enhanced Performance and Terminal "Shelf-Ready" Sterilization 

Advanced Sterilization Products (ASP), a member of the Johnson & Johnson family of companies, today announced the launch of the STERRAD(R) 100S Sterilization System, its next-generation low-temperature hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilizer for processing medical devices and surgical instruments. The STERRAD 100S System, with a significantly faster, 55-minute processing time and enhanced cycle performance, offers two benefits vital to hospitals in today's healthcare environment -- improved instrument utilization and reduced costs.

The new sterilizer, which received U.S. Food & Drug Administration marketing clearance in June, is based on the same proven technology pioneered by ASP with its hallmark STERRAD(R) 100 System, successfully used in the United States since 1993. Technological advances, however, have led to a 26 percent shorter cycle time -- representing the fastest high-capacity, low-temperature sterilizer on the market. Enhanced performance with the STERRAD 100S System results in an estimated 57 percent increase in instrument availability compared with ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization systems and allows busy healthcare facilities to increase instrument throughput, improve efficiency and reduce costs while enhancing patient care and worker safety.

According to Lars-Peter Harbing, worldwide president of ASP, the STERRAD 100S System was developed with the evolving needs of customers in mind. "Our customers have told us that increasing efficiency and the utilization of expensive surgical instruments are top priorities," Harbing said. "The STERRAD 100S System, with its faster processing time and increased throughput, will dramatically improve instrument turnaround times, allowing a reduction in inventories of expensive instruments while prolonging the life of medical devices. Of course, customers will continue to experience the benefits they have come to expect from the STERRAD System -- safety, efficacy and superior materials compatibility."

Harbing said that the company's goal is to make sure customers have access to the latest instrument processing technology. "As a testament to our commitment to customer service, we are taking the unprecedented step of offering free upgrades to the STERRAD 100S System for all existing STERRAD System customers who currently have our Platinum Service Contract, which sets the industry standard for total customer support," he said.

The STERRAD System is based on a patented process involving the generation of low-temperature gas plasma from hydrogen peroxide. The system does not leave toxic residues on surgical instruments and equipment, eliminating the need for a lengthy aeration phase, and sterile instruments may be used immediately following the 55-minute sterilization cycle. Because the process provides terminally sterilized, "shelf-ready" instruments that are dry and wrapped, instruments can be stored for use when needed. With more than 3,500 units in use worldwide and 10 million cycles safely run to date, the STERRAD System has allowed many hospitals to reduce or eliminate dependence on EtO sterilization. Limitations of EtO systems include a long (14-hour) cycle time, added expense, safety concerns and toxicity issues.

Advanced Sterilization Products, a Johnson & Johnson company, Division of Ethicon, Inc., manufactures and markets a full range of innovative sterilization, disinfection and cleaning technologies and products that provide safe, effective and economically sound solutions that meet the needs of healthcare providers. The company is based in Irvine, Calif. For information about ASP or its family of products, visit www.sterrad.com or call 888-STERRAD.