TSO3 and 3M Agree to Global Channel Partnership

TSO3 Inc. and 3M today announced that an agreement has been reached for 3M to be the exclusive supplier and distributor of TSO3's STERIZONE(R) 125L+ Sterilizer.

The partnership with TSO3, an innovator in low-temperature sterilization technology for medical devices in healthcare settings through the use of ozone, will include new cycles to reach acute-care facilities through 3M's global sales channel. This agreement, combined with recent improvements to the sterilizer performance in both cycle time and device compatibility, represents a significant step in the move to accelerate the product's adoption in the global marketplace.

"Our enhanced product offering, having three significantly faster and gentler cycles, makes the STERIZONE(R) Sterilization System an excellent alternative to shortcomings found in existing low temperature sterilization products. Our ability to sterilize a wide range of general surgical instruments, rigid channelled devices as well as simple and complex flexible endoscopes makes us unique and a single solution to what has historically required two or more sterilization technologies,", stated R.M. Rumble, president and CEO of TSO3. "The agreement signed today with 3M pairs innovation in technology with innovation in marketing, sales and service on a global scale. It supports 3M's existing Infection Prevention business strategy, while significantly enhancing market penetration of the TSO3 technology. It is an excellent fit for our respective organizations and more importantly our mutual customers.”

While the details of the agreement are not being released, provisions include an exclusive license fee of which a portion is to be paid upfront, with milestone payments to be made linked to regulatory clearances, and, minimum purchases defined on an annual basis.

"We are very pleased to be able to offer this innovative technology to acute care settings for low temperature sterilization," stated Debra A. Rectenwald, vice president and general manager of the 3M Infection Prevention Division. "This technology is aligned with our 3M Infection Prevention goals to partner with hospitals to reduce hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) and to meet the needs of our customers and the patients they serve. The new agreement with TSO3 includes regional commercialization of the products as regulatory clearance or registration is obtained and we are enthusiastic to be able to offer this unique technology globally."