Henry Schein (Nasdaq: HSIC) today announced that it has entered into an exclusive agreement with Radic8, a UK-based manufacturer of air purifier systems, to distribute their devices in the U.S. and Canada.*
The Radic8 ViruskillerTM is currently being marketed under the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enforcement policy for air purifiers during the COVID-19 public health emergency. The product is intended to be effective at killing SARS-CoV-2 based on its demonstrated effectiveness against viruses that are similar to SARS-CoV-2 or are harder to kill.** The results show a 99.9999%, 6 log reduction, kill rate in a single air pass. The kill rate is used to describe what percentage of a given germ is killed by a particular process or disinfectant.
When dealing with viruses, single air pass kill rates are critical to minimize the risk of cross contamination. Two key factors to consider when using technology to reduce airborne and droplet virus exposure are controlling the airflow to take the danger away from the breathing zone and purifying the air as it passes through the unit in a single air pass. Controlled airflow drags contaminated air away from the breathing zone, replacing it with air that has been purified. Then the purified air is released from the top, pushing contaminated air to the floor and the fan drags it back towards the unit that creates laminar airflow.
“We’re pleased to announce this exclusive agreement with Radic8, as we know that patient safety is a top priority for dental professionals, and air purification systems can help practices improve indoor infection control, reducing the risk of exposure to certain pathogens,” said AJ Caffentzis, President, U.S. Dental Distribution. “We’re excited to add Radic8 air purification devices to our portfolio of air management technologies, reinforcing Henry Schein’s commitment to helping dental professionals provide a safer environment for their patients and staff.”
The Radic8 air purifier is available through Henry Schein Dental in three different versions:
· Radic8 ViruskillerTM 401 (VK 401): The VK 401 is an air purifier for medium to large rooms. This is useful in spaces up to 645 square feet and it drags contaminated air away from the breathing zone. The purified air of the VK 401 is released against both sides of the wall to maximize distribution and create controlled airflow within the space it is covering. With its air exchange capacity, the VK 401 is a good choice for dental operatories, waiting rooms, and sterilization rooms.
· Radic8 ViruskillerTM 103 (VK 103): The VK 103 draws contaminated air away from the breathing zone in the patient waiting area up to 1076 square feet. The VK103 unit creates controlled airflow within the space it is covering and can also be used to regulate positive pressure for medical and healthcare facilities. With its air exchange capacity, the VK 103 is a good choice for large dental waiting rooms and large open operatories.
· Radic8 Hextio: Hextio is a compact air purifier for spaces up to 215 square feet. The Hextio has an optional directional airflow hood and a quiet night mode. The light indicators show when the air is purified, this desktop unit is a good choice for reception desks and small offices.
For more information, please visit https://henryscheindigital.com/radic8.
*) The Radic8 air purifier is not FDA-Cleared or FDA-Approved.
**) The Radic8 air purifier has not been tested against SARS-CoV-2, but has been tested against harder to kill viruses, such as the adenovirus.
About Radic8 ViruskillerTM
The Radic8 ViruskillerTM was developed to deal with airborne viruses in 2004 after the SARS epidemic and has been continuously evolving since. Radic8 technology uses a two-stage process: filtration followed by photocatalytic oxidation technology. ** The Radic8 photocatalytic oxidation chamber has multiple UV-C lights surrounded by chromed nano titanium tube filters and polished with activated carbon. The UV-C light reacts with the photocatalytic surface intended to create oxidants for killing viruses.
This product should be used as an adjunct to personal protective equipment (PPE) and other infection control procedures. When using ViruskillerTM, basic safety precautions should be observed, and instructions should be read to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury; the appliance should not be used by children or adults with reduced capabilities. Looking directly at an ultra-violet light may cause permanent damage to the eyes.
About Henry Schein, Inc.
Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC) is a solutions company for health care professionals powered by a network of people and technology. With more than 19,000 Team Schein Members worldwide, the Company's network of trusted advisors provides more than 1 million customers globally with more than 300 valued solutions that improve operational success and clinical outcomes. Our Business, Clinical, Technology, and Supply Chain solutions help office-based dental and medical practitioners work more efficiently so they can provide quality care more effectively. These solutions also support dental laboratories, government and institutional healthcare clinics, as well as other alternate care sites.
Henry Schein operates through a centralized and automated distribution network, with a selection of more than 120,000 branded products and Henry Schein private-brand products in stock, as well as more than 180,000 additional products available as special-order items.
A FORTUNE 500 Company and a member of the S&P 500® index, Henry Schein is headquartered in Melville, N.Y., and has operations or affiliates in 31 countries. The Company's sales from continuing operations reached $10.0 billion in 2019, and have grown at a compound annual rate of approximately 13 percent since Henry Schein became a public company in 1995.
For more information, visit Henry Schein at www.henryschein.com, Facebook.com/HenrySchein, and @HenrySchein on Twitter.
