Vestex Protects

Category: Press Releases

EPA Grants Registration for VESTEX® Proprietary Antimicrobial Agent

Approval Builds Upon Prior FDA 510(k) Clearance; Piedmont Chemical Industries to manufacture the proprietary antimicrobial agent

ORLANDO, Fla. – March 1, 2021 – VESTEX® announced today that its proprietary Ignaz antimicrobial agent used in its active barrier fabric system has received registration by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, (EPA).
“The antimicrobial is an integral component of the VESTEX® dual mechanism of action which has already received 510(k) clearance by the FDA. The EPA registration adds to the intellectual property of the VESTEX® system that protects wearers and reduces their exposure to infectious organisms and fluids,” said Uncas Benjamin Favret III, company founder & CEO.

Piedmont Chemical Industries of High Point, NC will manufacture the antimicrobial agent as part of a new strategic partnership, Favret said.

“We have applications for workwear, uniforms and products where wearers are at risk for unanticipated exposures to dangerous germs and fluids. We are actively seeking strategic licensing partners who are aligned with our mission of protection and can use VESTEX® to enhance the performance and safety of their brand’s products,” he added.

VESTEX®’s dual mechanism of action repels fluids and reduces microbes on fabric surfaces thereby preventing microorganisms from being acquired, retained, and transmitted. Working in conjunction with the VESTEX® fluid-repellent fabric surface, the antimicrobial agent employs several mechanisms to reduce microbial colonization by disrupting cell membranes, denaturing cell surfaces and transmembrane proteins, and inactivating bio-energetic systems of microorganisms.

“These are all scientifically critical points of differentiation from other products, fabrics or technologies currently on the market claiming ‘antimicrobial’ or ‘antiviral’ effectiveness,” Favret said. “The FDA used well-controlled investigations of worst-case use scenarios to assess the effectiveness of apparel protected by VESTEX® to reduce the retention of MRSA and dangerous fluids. We’ve been endorsed by the American Hospital Association and recommended by the National Science Foundation Center for Healthcare Transformation. No other apparel or fabric with silver, zinc or any other agent can make such clinically valid protective performance and safety claims.”

“It’s the difference between snake oil verses science,” Favret said. “VESTEX® is proven to be effective; other technologies don’t work and worse, they potentially put wearers and brands at risk.”

Based on the FDA recognized hierarchy of microbial resistance, VESTEX®’s ability to reduce retention of MRSA on the surface of the apparel would also apply to Covid-19, according to Favret. “To validate this performance we’ve successfully completed studies and will be submitting the research to the FDA for review,” he said.

About VESTEX®
VESTEX®, is the first a new class of FDA 510(k)Cleared Active Barrier protective apparel combining antimicrobial, fluid repellent and comfort properties. The Association of Professionals in Infection Control (APIC) likens clothing to “a virtual conveyer belt for infection.“ VESTEX® fabric is designed to protect uniforms and work apparel by reducing the acquisition, retention and transmission of microorganisms on clothing. Based on the research reviewed by the FDA, VESTEX® earned an exclusive endorsement from the American Hospital Association (AHA) in 2015 following the proprietary AHA Signature Due Diligence Process. Recent studies concluded VESTEX® is more effective than conventional uniforms at repelling fluids and reducing the retention of methicillin-resistant staph on the fabric. For more information, or to inquire about partnerships and licensing opportunities, visit the newly relaunched and totally redesigned website, VESTEX.com.

Additional Facts:

  • Apparel made with VESTEX® combines antimicrobial and fluid repellent technologies designed for continuous comfortable wear and protection for workers in settings where intermittent or unexpected exposure to microorganisms from blood, body fluids and other potentially infectious material can occur.
  • VESTEX® apparel is specifically designed to replace non-protective clothing that leaves workers at risk and works in conjunction with and does not replace PPE that is worn for specific use and during episodes of expected potentially infectious material exposure.

VESTEX® Active Barrier Healthcare Scrubs First-Ever to Receive FDA Designation as Class II Medical Device

Everyday Healthcare Worker Apparel Made with Vestagen’s VESTEX® Fabric Achieves Breakthrough FDA 510(k) Clearance as Class II Medical Device Based on Its Demonstrated Ability to Repel Fluids and Reduce Retention of MRSA

Orlando, Fla., May 23, 2018 – Vestagen Protective Technologies, Inc., which develops and markets healthcare worker uniforms, scrubs, lab coats and other garments utilizing its proprietary VESTEX® Active Barrier fabric, today announced that VESTEX® apparel has received 510(k) clearance as a Class II medical device from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). VESTEX® healthcare uniforms are the first daily-wear scrubs to receive a Class II medical device designation from the FDA. This makes VESTEX® the defining product of a new FDA product category created to address the unique performance properties demonstrated by VESTEX® Active Barrier garments. 

“We are thrilled that VESTEX® apparel has received a Class II medical device designation from the FDA,” said Bill Bold, Chief Executive Officer of Vestagen. “Our mission is to protect healthcare workers and patients by providing technologically-advanced, evidence-based Active Barrier scrubs that are comfortable, affordable, durable and attractive for everyday use. This groundbreaking FDA medical device designation sets a new standard in the healthcare apparel market and addresses a major unmet need for healthcare worker safety. We are grateful to our tireless employees, our customers and our investors who supported this unprecedented regulatory strategy from our earliest days.”

To obtain 510(k) clearance VESTEX® was subjected to in vitro studies that simulated a worst-case clinical use environment. These studies were conducted by respected specialty research laboratories. The results were further supported by a rigorous randomized, blinded, crossover clinical trial conducted within a medical ICU at Virginia Commonwealth University, where VESTEX® apparel demonstrated effectiveness in reducing accumulation of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) on healthcare workers’ clothing compared to non-protective conventional scrubs. The MRSA reduction was statically significant both at the beginning and end of a 12-hour work shift1. 

The worst-case of use-simulated clinical environment testing demonstrated fluid repellency to blood, urine, sputum, gastric fluid and bleach, as well as reduction of MRSA retention on the outer surface of the VESTEX® apparel within 15 minutes of first exposure and lasting for up to 12 hours compared to conventional, non-VESTEX® treated garments. This level of effectiveness is especially important as healthcare workers are frequently in contact with potentially hazardous fluids and germs when caring for their patients2. Multiple studies have documented the high levels of MRSA and other germs that are acquired and retained on healthcare worker scrubs and lab coats3. 

Mr. Bold added, “This FDA medical device designation for VESTEX® further validates the decisions of our early adopters. The National Science Foundation’s Center for Healthcare Organizational Transformation recently called for healthcare administrators to promote the use of Active Barrier apparel. We are proud that prominent systems such as Baptist Health in Jacksonville, Northwell Health in New York and Mercy Health in Cincinnati were out in front on this important issue, joining us as pioneers on this journey. These early VESTEX® adopters are leaders in proactively promoting a culture of safety for their healthcare workers and patients. They have reported enhanced staff satisfaction, engagement and overall excellent results. We look forward to working with them to share their positive experiences with VESTEX® with their peer institutions.”

The medical device description submitted to the FDA states in part that VESTEX® Apparel is nonsterile, reusable, fluid repellant apparel containing an antimicrobial agent that is designed for continuous wear to provide protection to healthcare workers where intermittent or unexpected exposure to microorganisms from blood, body fluids and other potentially infectious material (OPIM) can occur. The FDA has cleared VESTEX® with the following “Indications for use”: 

  • VESTEX® Apparel (“VESTEX”), scrub tops, pants, skirts, and lab coats are apparel that provides fluid repellency and reduces the retention of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) on the surface (outer layer) of the apparel. 
  • The ability of VESTEX® to reduce the retention of MRSA on the fabric surface has not been shown to correlate with the reduction of infections. Clinical studies to evaluate reduction in infection have not been performed for this device.
  • VESTEX® Apparel is not intended to replace personal protective equipment worn for specific use and during episodes of expected blood, body fluid and other potentially infectious material exposure.

VESTEX® is one layer of fabric incorporating a unique combination of technologies to produce comfortable, continuous-wear healthcare worker apparel with a dual mechanism of action that includes fluid-repellent properties and an antimicrobial agent. A proprietary application method during the VESTEX® manufacturing process covalently bonds the fluid repellent and antimicrobial agent to the outer surface of the fabric, while retaining its moisture-wicking properties on the skin-touching side of the interior surface. As referenced in the 510(k) medical device clearance, the fluid-repellent fabric surface acts to resist bacteria acquisition by repelling fluids and thereby significantly reducing the number of microorganisms that remain on the fabric. The antimicrobial agent then further reduces the MRSA that remains on the surface (outer layer) of the apparel.

Vestagen’s Senior Vice President of Regulatory and Quality Scott Pease managed the FDA submission and review process. He commented: “As a regulatory professional, overseeing this innovative Class II medical device clearance for VESTEX® healthcare apparel is a highlight of my career. This signal achievement reflects a robust battery of safety and efficacy tests that were designed to satisfy the stringent requirements needed to obtain FDA regulatory clearance, making VESTEX® the only product in its category with these substantiated claims.”

VESTEX® earned an exclusive endorsement from the American Hospital Association (AHA) in 2015 following the proprietary AHA Signature Due Diligence Process™. VESTEX apparel was selected for AHA endorsement because it can play a vital role in hospitals’ strategic initiatives to improve healthcare worker and patient safety and protection.

The data Vestagen submitted to the FDA is consistent with previous studies supporting the efficacy and safety of VESTEX® fabrics, as well as recent studies that concluded VESTEX® is more effective than conventional uniforms at repelling fluids and reducing the retention of tested microorganisms on the fabric4,5.

Ben Favret, Vestagen’s Founder and President, who has been the steward of VESTEX® from its inception, stated: “The FDA’s designation of VESTEX® as a cleared medical device is a landmark achievement that has implications beyond healthcare. We see VESTEX® as a platform technology with applications in many products and markets where workers are at risk for unanticipated exposures to dangerous fluids and germs.  Non-hospital healthcare professionals, technicians and support workers can benefit from VESTEX® garments, as can workers in many other occupations such as hospitality, housekeeping, laundry services, plumbing and maintenance, waste disposal, veterinary services and mortuary services.”

Mr. Favret continued: “The FDA also oversees the safety of our food supply, and VESTEX® Active Barrier apparel would be suitable for workers in many sectors of the food industry, including restaurant and other food preparation, animal slaughtering and processing, seafood product preparation and packaging, fruit and vegetable processing and specialty food and dairy product manufacturing. We are actively seeking strategic partners to deliver the proven performance of VESTEX® to workers in these markets.”

About Vestagen Protective Technologies, Inc.
Vestagen develops advanced performance textile products and technologies including VESTEX®, which represents a new class of Active Barrier protective fabrics combining antimicrobial, liquid repellent and breathability properties. VESTEX® fabric is designed to protect the uniforms and apparel healthcare workers and their patients wear.

1 Bearman, G., Rosato, A., Elam, K., Sanogo, K., Stevens, M., Sessler, C., and Wenzel, R. P., “A Cross-over Trial of Antimicrobial Scrubs to Reduce MRSA Burden on Healthcare Worker Apparel,” Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol., Vol. 33, No. 3, 2012, pp. 268–275.

2 International Safety Center. U.S. EPINet Sharps Injury and Blood and Body Fluid Exposure Surveillance Research Group. Blood and Body Fluid Exposure Report for 2014; 216 total exposures. Report available at: https://internationalsafetycenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Official-2014-BBFSummary.pdf

3 Mitchell A, Spencer M, Edmiston C., Jr Role of healthcare apparel and other healthcare textiles in the transmission of pathogens: a review of the literature. J Hosp Infect. 2015;90(4):285–292.

4 What You Wear Matters: Assessing the Fluid Repellency of Healthcare Worker Attire to Simulated Body Fluid and Hazardous Drug Exposures in the Age of High-Reliability Healthcare, Taylor Wood, M.S. University of Central Florida, Ben Favret, Vestagen Protective Technologies, Inc., IHI National Forum, Dec 12, 2017.

5 Reducing Multi-Drug Resistant Pathogens on Healthcare Staff Attire, Mathew Hardwick, PhD., Margret Cotton, Resinnova Laboratories, IHI National Forum, Dec 12, 2017.

Vestagen Cites New Peer-Reviewed Article Supporting Use of Healthcare Worker Uniforms that May Minimize the Risks of Unexpected Fluid Exposures

A Commentary Co-Authored by The Leapfrog Group and Vestagen that Was Recently Published in a Peer-Reviewed Journal Shows that Unexpected Exposures to Body Fluids are Frequent in Healthcare Settings and Pose Risks to Both Workers and Patients

The Commentary Calls for More Safety Surveillance and Wider Use of Measures such as Active Barrier Health Care Worker Uniforms

ORLANDO, Fla., May 4, 2017 – Vestagen Protective Technologies, Inc. today reported publication of a commentary that supports the rationale for everyday use of its VESTEX® Active Barrier1 garments to help shield healthcare workers from exposure to body fluids. The recently published commentary* co-authored by Leah Binder, President & CEO of The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit watchdog committed to driving quality, safety, and transparency in the U.S. healthcare system, and Vestagen Founder Ben Favret, presents the findings of the Leapfrog Health Care Worker Safety Work Group. It highlights the link between healthcare worker and patient safety and identifies areas for potential improvement.

Mr. Favret noted, “Vestagen welcomed the opportunity to support the work of The Leapfrog Group, a uniquely effective advocate with a track record of promoting improvements in the quality and safety of U.S. healthcare. It is an honor to serve as co-chair of the Leapfrog Partner Advisory Committee and to co-author this commentary.”

Favret continued, “We developed VESTEX® Active Barrier fabric to produce healthcare worker garments for everyday use that repel fluids, incorporate antimicrobial properties and are breathable and comfortable. Our goal is to help minimize the risks associated with unanticipated body fluid exposures–a frequent occurrence in many healthcare settings. We will continue to support initiatives to raise awareness of these risks and to promote policies and programs that reduce their impact.”

The Leapfrog commentary, “Closing the Gap between Health Care Worker and Patient Safety,” identifies exposure to blood and body fluids as an important source of risk in hospitals and notes that an estimated 80% of these exposures are unexpected. In those instances when fluid exposures are anticipated, healthcare workers are encouraged to take precautions and protect themselves with barrier garments or personal protective equipment (PPE). However, relatively low compliance with wearing PPE, improper removal of PPE and outright failure of PPE technology all contribute to greater exposure risk. The paper notes that relatively simple measures such as everyday use of active barrier worker apparel can reduce both unanticipated exposures and patient and worker risks, especially when the measures are part of a broad horizontal approach to infection prevention.

In its commentary, the Leapfrog Work Group recommends that measurements of progress in implementing programs to reduce the risks from fluid exposures be included in voluntary surveillance systems such as the National Healthcare Safety Network and the Exposure Prevention Information Network (EPINet®). The Work Group also recommended that a Leapfrog Expert Panel consider measures related to worker safety for potential future inclusion in the Leapfrog Hospital Survey.

VESTEX® Active Barrier fabric is a unique combination of technologies that addresses the need for continuous-wear, comfortable healthcare worker and patient garments intended to minimize the risks associated with unanticipated exposure to body fluids during routine use, by repelling fluid splatter and spills from the fabric. VESTEX® fabric is breathable and it contains an EPA-registered antimicrobial agent2 shown in controlled conditions in laboratory and hospital settings to inhibit the growth of certain bacteria on the fabric.3,4 A peer-reviewed hospital-based study published in a leading medical journal showed reduced acquisition and retention of certain microorganisms on VESTEX® scrubs compared to conventional healthcare uniforms.

About Vestagen Protective Technologies, Inc.
Vestagen develops and markets advanced performance textile products and technologies. Vestagen has developed VESTEX® , which represents a new class of technology-based, active barrier protective fabrics combining antimicrobial, liquid repellent and breathability properties. VESTEX® uniforms are designed to minimize the risks associated with unanticipated fluid exposures during routine use as general purpose attire. Studies conducted in controlled conditions in a hospital setting show that VESTEX® can prevent or reduce the acquisition and retention of certain microorganisms on the fabric.

* Closing the Gap Between Health Care Worker and Patient Safety, Leah Binder, MA, MGA, Ben Favret, American Journal of Medical Quality, First published: April-11, 2017, DOI:10.1177/1062860617703729.

1 Neither liquid repellency nor antimicrobial tests are intended to assess the VESTEX active barrier apparel’s ability to meet personal protective equipment requirements. The ability of the fabric to reduce exposure to microorganisms or infections has not been studied.

2 VESTEX® garments do not protect users or others against disease-causing bacteria. Always clean the garment thoroughly after each use.

3 Bearman, G., Rosato, A., Elam, K., Sanogo, K., Stevens, M., Sessler, C., and Wenzel, R. P., “A Cross-over Trial of Antimicrobial Scrubs to Reduce MRSA Burden on Healthcare Worker Apparel,” Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol., Vol. 33, No. 3, 2012, pp. 268–275;

4 Hardwick, Matthew, Walsh, Thomas, and Cotton, Margaret, “Fabric Challenge Assays: New Standards for the Evaluation of the Performance of Textiles Treated with Antimicrobial Agents,” Pesticide Formulation and Delivery Systems: Innovating Legacy Products for New Uses on November 1–3, 2011 in Tampa FL; STP 1558, M. Bernards, Editor, pp. 1–14, doi:101520/STP155820120184, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA 2013.

Northwell Becomes New York’s First Major Health System to Implement Vestagen’s VESTEX® Protective Attire

Peer Reviewed Hospital-Based Study Shows Reduced Acquisition and Retention of Microorganisms on Garments Made with VESTEX® Fabric

ORLANDO, Fla. – August 16, 2016 – Vestagen Protective Technologies, Inc. today announced that medical professionals at Cohen Children’s Medical Center in New Hyde Park, NY and North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, NY are now wearing scrubs and lab coats protected by Vestagen’s proprietary VESTEX® fabric. Both hospitals are part of Northwell Health, one of the nation’s largest healthcare systems with 21 hospitals and more than 61,000 employees, making Northwell the largest private employer in the state of New York.

VESTEX® combines innovative fluid-repellency, antimicrobial and breathability technologies designed for everyday protection from unanticipated exposure to body fluids and the associated possibility of microorganism transmission. A peer reviewed hospital-based study published in a leading medical journal showed reduced acquisition and retention of microorganisms on VESTEX® scrubs compared to conventional healthcare uniforms.

VESTEX® has earned an exclusive endorsement from the American Hospital Association following a rigorous due diligence process and is now being adopted by a number of leading US healthcare institutions. Northwell Health is the first system in the New York region to switch to VESTEX® uniforms.

“Northwell Health is the largest healthcare provider in New York and we are delighted that they are leading the way in adopting active barrier uniforms protected by VESTEX®,” said Bill Bold, Chief Executive Officer of Vestagen. “The decision to provide VESTEX®-protected uniforms to the healthcare staff at two of their premier institutions is a tangible sign of Northwell’s commitment to their employees and patients. They also have been forward-looking in working with us to create an internet-based store designed and operated solely for use by Northwell staff, which simplifies and facilitates access to VESTEX® uniforms. The roll-out has proceeded very smoothly to date and we look forward to working with additional Northwell facilities going forward.”

Peter Silver, MD, Medical Director at Cohen Children’s Medical Center, noted that the introduction of the new VESTEX® protective apparel is part of the hospital’s overarching efforts to strengthen safety. “Investing in healthcare worker safety, infection prevention and patient safety is paramount to our organization and embedded in our culture of care,” he said. “We want our employees to feel safe in the hospital environment, and any effort we can undertake that has the potential to reduce their exposure to contaminants while they are at work is extremely important.”
Medical professionals in the hematology-oncology unit at Cohen Children’s Medical Center were the first caregivers in Northwell Health to begin wearing technology-driven VESTEX uniforms. Seven months later, 60 percent of Cohen’s caregivers are in the scrubs and it’s expected that the entire staff there will be fitted for them by October.

“North Shore University Hospital embraced the new technology driven scrubs from the start,” said Kerri Scanlon RN Chief Nursing Officer and Deputy Chief Nurse Executive at North Shore University Hospital. “Partnering with our frontline caregivers improved the design process and provided an opportunity to emphasize the importance of patient and caregiver safety.”

Given the high level of satisfaction with the new uniforms, Northwell Health is considering expanding their use to other hospitals across the health system.

About Vestagen
Vestagen develops and markets advanced performance textile products and technologies. Vestagen has developed VESTEX®, which represents a new class of technology-based, active barrier protective fabrics combining antimicrobial, liquid repellent and breathability properties. VESTEX® uniforms and scrubs are designed to protect healthcare workers and their patients from contaminants. Studies conducted in a hospital setting show that VESTEX® can prevent or reduce the acquisition and retention of contaminants on the fabric. VESTEX® garments are comfortable, durable and affordable.

VESTEX® Wins Innovation Honors from Edison Awards & Apparel Magazine

Protective healthcare worker apparel technology acknowledged for potential to prevent the spread of infectious disease

ORLANDO, Fla. – April 24, 2015 – Vestagen Technical Textiles, Inc. today announced that its proprietary textile technology, VESTEX®, has recently received two notable innovation awards. The first is the prestigious Edison Award, a global competition that recognizes innovations with potential to create a positive impact in the world. At a ceremony last night in New York City, VESTEX® received the Silver Edison Award in the Material Science “Protection & Safety” category. The awards honor excellence in new product and service development, marketing, human-centered design and innovation.

“We are extremely honored to receive this accolade from the Edison organization. At Vestagen, our mission is to use clinically-proven textile technology to better protect people from infectious organisms and other contaminants,” said Uncas “Ben” B. Favret III, founder and president of Vestagen. “In the spirit of the Edison Awards, we developed VESTEX® fabric, the first healthcare apparel to combine fluid repellency with antimicrobial and breathability properties, as an alternative to conventional uniforms worn today that harbor and transmit dangerous pathogens. Our goal is to facilitate widespread adoption of protective uniforms as the universally accepted standard for healthcare workers and their patients.”

VESTEX® also recently received an “Innovator Award” from Apparel Magazine. Innovator Awards are bestowed upon apparel retailers, brands and manufacturers that have demonstrated innovation along the apparel supply chain and/or revolutionary new products and designs.

“Our goal with VESTEX® is to help propel a transformation of healthcare worker and patient attire by applying new technologies to redefine expectations of protection and comfort. Our progress to date in achieving this goal is highlighted by these new honors. They follow our recent exclusive endorsement by the American Hospital Association and we’re very proud to see VESTEX® being recognized as the leader in healthcare attire by a diversity of highly respected organizations,” said Dale Pfost, PhD, CEO of Vestagen.

About VESTEX®
Developed by Vestagen, VESTEX® is the original active barrier protective fabric technology, combining antimicrobial, liquid repellent and breathability properties. Healthcare lab coats, scrubs and patient gowns made with VESTEX® fabric are proven in a hospital setting to protect workers’ garments from acquiring contaminants that can spread to patients and the community. VESTEX® fabrics are utilized in the myGuardian™ and myComfort™ lines manufactured and sold directly by Vestagen, as well as retail partners and select distributors. VESTEX® fabric is also available for garment production by approved licensees.

About Vestagen
At Vestagen Technical Textiles, our mission is to protect people with innovative technical textile technologies that are scientifically-proven. Vestagen’s proprietary VESTEX® active barrier protective fabric is the first to combine antimicrobial, liquid repellent and breathability properties to protect wearers from exposure to potentially harmful contaminants in any environment. The privately-held, venture-backed company has technologies that can serve the healthcare, food service and athletic markets, among others.

About the Edison Awards
Since 1987, the Edison Awards™ have recognized and honored some of the most innovative new products, services and business leaders in America. The Awards are named after Thomas Alva Edison (1847-1931) whose extraordinary new product and market development methods garnered him 1,093 U.S. patents and made him a household name across the world. The Edison Awards symbolize the persistence and excellence personified by Thomas Edison, while also strengthening the human drive for innovation, creativity and ingenuity. To learn more about the Edison Awards, visit edisonawards.com.

Vestagen’s Vestex® Protective Garments Awarded Exclusive Endorsement By American Hospital Association

Validates Ability of Vestex Active Barrier Apparel to Protect Healthcare Workers and Patients by Reducing Bacteria on Clothing that Can Cause Hospital Acquired Infections

AHA Endorsement Based on Rigorous Due Diligence Process

ORLANDO, FL – February 24, 2015 – Vestagen Technical Textiles, Inc., today announced that the American Hospital Association (AHA) has awarded its exclusive endorsement to Vestex® Active Barrier protective healthcare apparel. The endorsement is based on an extensive due diligence process that assessed Vestex’s ability to protect healthcare workers and reduce the bacteria on clothing that contribute to the risk of healthcare-acquired infections (HAI’s) in patients and hospital staff. Reducing HAI’s is an important goal of the AHA, public health agencies, hospital payers, and AHA member institutions.

“AHA’s data-driven endorsement is a powerful validation of Vestex’s ability to help protect healthcare workers, patients and the public by reducing potentially dangerous bacteria and contamination on clothing,” said Uncas “Ben” B. Favret III, president and CEO of Vestagen. “This endorsement provides confirmation to our distributors, partners and rapidly-growing customer base that the protective qualities engineered into Vestex fabrics will perform as promised in real life hospital settings. We view AHA’s endorsement as especially impactful due to their expertise, prestige and demanding, highly analytical due diligence assessments. Many companies are now rushing healthcare apparel to market claiming protective properties, but Vestex is the only one to have passed muster in a rigorous review process.”

Healthcare workers are at daily risk of exposure to dangerous pathogens and other contaminants, and they can unknowingly spread these contaminants to patients, other workers, family members and the public. Vestex garments are made from a new class of active barrier protective fabrics that are clinically proven to prevent or reduce the acquisition and retention of microbes and other contaminants. Vestex is engineered to have robust body fluid repellency and embedded antimicrobial properties, along with the enhanced breathability, exceptional durability, styling flexibility and affordability needed for everyday use.

“A new report from the Centers for Disease Control highlights the important gains hospitals have made in reducing the incidence of HAIs, but it also notes more action is needed,” said Anthony Burke, senior vice president of the AHA, and president and CEO of AHA Solutions, Inc. “Our endorsement of Vestex Active Barrier protective apparel is therefore especially timely. Worker clothing is widely recognized as a source of potential disease transmission in healthcare settings, and Vestex is the only protective apparel that has demonstrated the ability to reduce the spread of dangerous organisms in peer-reviewed clinical studies. Vestagen also makes it easy for healthcare workers to adopt its protective uniforms, by producing garments that are comfortable, durable, attractive and affordable. We look forward to supporting the company as it brings the benefits of its protective Vestex apparel to our member institutions nationwide.”

Mr. Favret added, “The rapid increase in awareness among healthcare workers and patients that clothing is a source of potential contamination is driving our commercialization strategy of working with strong channel partners to ensure that Vestex garments are widely available to our diverse customers. This exclusive endorsement by the AHA will be a powerful tool for our partners and distributors, by underscoring the importance of the safety issues we are addressing and providing high level, expert confirmation that Vestex is the one apparel option that helps protect healthcare workers and patients. The endorsement also gives us the opportunity to leverage the marketing expertise of the AHA’s subsidiary, AHA Solutions, Inc., to expedite our access to thousands of hospitals nationwide.”

Contaminated clothing is a known carrier of bacteria, and healthcare workers have the highest rate of illness of any occupation in the U.S. Contamination with difficult-to-treat organisms such as MRSA and c. difficile puts workers at risk and is responsible for many of the most serious hospital acquired infections. A peer-reviewed published study confirmed that Vestex-protected nurse scrub uniforms (which utilized Vestex’s unique combination of a fluorine/silicon oxide body fluid repellent and an organosilicon quaternary ammonium antimicrobial) demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in MRSA of more than 99.99% compared to the non-protective scrub uniforms used in many hospitals today.

About Vestagen
Vestagen Technical Textiles develops and markets advanced performance textile products and technologies. Vestagen has developed Vestex®, which represents a new class of technology- based, active barrier protective fabrics combining antimicrobial, liquid repellent and breathability properties. Vestex uniforms and scrubs are designed to protect healthcare workers and their patients from dangerous contaminants. They are clinically proven to prevent or reduce the acquisition and retention of contaminants on clothing and are comfortable, durable and affordable.

About the AHA
The American Hospital Association (AHA) is a not-for-profit association of health care provider organizations and individuals that are committed to the improvement of health in their communities. The AHA is the national advocate for its members, who include nearly 5,000 member hospitals, health systems and other health care organizations and 43,000 individual members. Founded in 1898, the AHA provides education for health care leaders and is a source of information on health care issues and trends. Visit www.aha.org to learn more.

About AHA Solutions
AHA Solutions, Inc. is a resource to hospitals pursuing operational excellence. As an AHA member service, AHA Solutions collaborates with hospital leaders to identify key challenges the field faces. We then work with market consultants to conduct the proprietary AHA Signature Due Diligence Process™ and identify solutions. AHA Solutions provides access to content experts and education to support product decision making. As a subsidiary of the AHA, the organization convenes people with like interests for knowledge sharing that is centered on timely information and research. AHA Solutions is proud to reinvest its profits in the AHA Mission: To advance the health of individuals and communities. For more information, contact AHA Solutions at 800.242.4677 or visit www.aha-solutions.org.

First Large Hospital System Converts to Vestagen’s New Vestex® Protected Attire Designed to Help Fight Pathogen Transmission

Deal marks company’s biggest deployment of groundbreaking healthcare worker safety enhancing uniforms

ORLANDO, Fla. – June 24, 2014 – Vestagen Technical Textiles, Inc. today announced it has finalized a five-year, multi-million dollar contract to provide Baptist Health of Jacksonville, Fla. with white coats and scrubs protected by Vestagen’s proprietary Vestex® fabric. Vestex combines breathability, fluid-repellency and antimicrobial activity to reduce the risk of pathogen transmission on soft-surfaces. The agreement marks the largest contract in Vestagen’s history.

“This large-scale adoption of Vestex protected attire is not only a major milestone for our company it is also a major milestone in U.S. healthcare. Baptist Health is making the first widespread commitment to proactively improve healthcare worker and patient safety by utilizing advanced textile technology,” said Ben Favret, president and CEO of Vestagen. “Vestagen is absolutely privileged to partner with a leading hospital system like Baptist Health to demonstrate that what healthcare workers wear should serve as a barrier against harmful pathogens.”

Vestex fabric is fluid-repellant to reduce the acquisition and retention of contaminants and made with an embedded antimicrobial to inhibit the growth of bacteria on the fabric. It is the first fabric clinically proven to minimize the acquisition and retention of pathogens. According to a clinical study published in the journal of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology1, ICU staff wearing Vestex had greater than 99.99 percent fewer methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) organisms present on their uniforms, both before and after a shift, compared to workers wearing traditional non-protective uniforms. The fabric is also breathable with the ability to quickly wick away moisture from the inside, providing comfort to the wearer and a constant professional appearance.

Baptist Health is investing in its conversion to Vestex uniforms as part of a new system-wide effort to leverage technology to enhance their culture of safety. The uniforms will be distributed to more than 6,000 staff members involved in direct patient care across its five-hospital system starting on July 9. Baptist Health also plans to extend Vestex protection to patients later this year through the deployment of new patient apparel custom designed in collaboration with Vestagen to enhance patient protection and dignity.

“Our decision to protect our staff with Vestex attire is an investment in enhancing the culture of safety for our employees and patients,” said Diane Raines, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, senior vice president and chief nursing officer at Baptist Health. “We believe the proactive steps we are taking to minimize the role attire can play in transmitting pathogens will soon be the new standard in preventing unexpected exposures. This is part of our commitment to change health care for good. As early adopters of this new technology we will share what we learn with others in our industry.”

“Healthcare workers are exposed to some of the most dangerous work environments and need better protection from the body fluids and harmful contaminants they encounter every day,” added Favret. “The progressive action Baptist Health is taking to prioritize staff and patient safety in this way sets a strong precedent for other healthcare facilities to follow.”

Baptist Health’s efforts also support Vestagen’s goal to inform healthcare workers about the important role their uniforms can play in pathogen transmission. To draw further attention to this issue, Vestagen recently launched a “Keep the Coat” campaign to raise awareness about the transmission potential of non-protective uniforms and the risk of contaminating provider’s street clothes if the protective qualities of the storied white coat are removed during patient interaction.

For more information about the “Keep the Coat” campaign and to join the discussion about mobile soft-surface contamination, please visit facebook.com/keepthecoat.

About Vestagen
Vestagen Technical Textiles develops and markets advanced performance textile products and technologies. Vestagen has developed Vestex®, the first in a new class of technology-based, active barrier protective fabrics combining antimicrobial, liquid repellent and breathability properties. Vestex uniforms and scrubs for healthcare applications are designed to protect workers and their patients from dangerous contaminants. They are clinically proven to prevent or reduce the acquisition and retention of contaminants on clothing and are comfortable, durable and affordable.

1 G. Bearman, et al., A crossover trial of antimicrobial scrubs to reduce methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus burden on healthcare worker apparel. Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology. 2012: Vol. 33; No. 3.

Innovative Textile Antimicrobial Effective against Resistant Bacteria – New Research Presented

(Chicago, Ill.) September 20, 2011 – Patterns of emerging “superbugs” underscore the need for new technologies to reduce exposures to contaminants both on the combat field and in healthcare facilities here at home. New data presented today from the University of Virginia at the Interscience Conference for Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC) in Chicago examines the efficacy of VTT-003 (Vestex) fluid barrier and antimicrobial impregnated fabric versus two bacteria strains that are resistant to many drugs.

Drs. Amy Mathers and Gerald Donowitz from UVa’s Department of Infectious Diseases presented their research entitled “Bactericidal Effect of Antimicrobial-Treated Textiles on Multi-drug Resistant Gram Negatives”. “Vestex was able to kill greater than 99.99% of our worst and most resistant gram negative organisms in our laboratory testing,” said Dr. Mathers.

VTT-003, sold under the name Vestex, is the first in a new class of active barrier protective fabrics that are clinically proven to rapidly prevent, reduce or eliminate the acquisition and retention of contaminants on the durable, breathable fabric. “We are proud of the rich and growing evidence base for the use of Vestex. It’s a research-based solution to the problem of contaminated textiles in healthcare,” commented Ben Favret, President and CEO of Vestagen, makers of Vestex. This presentation marks the fifth research study documenting Vestex performance characteristics.

Mathers and Donowitz tested both the antimicrobial agent used in Vestex alone and the fluid barrier and antimicrobial-impregnated Vestex fabric for its ability to kill these multi-drug resistant bacteria. The data show that the antimicrobial- treated fabric demonstrated in vitro bactericidal activity against pan-resistant A. baumannii and multi-drug resistant K. pneumoniae. Further, they conclude that this could be of potential use in decreasing transmission of multi-drug resistant gram negatives in the healthcare setting.

Multi-drug resistant bacteria have become more prevalent in the combat field, in healthcare facilities and in communities here at home. Two recent studies in the American Journal of Infection Control characterized the bacteria as well as the high percentage of healthcare workers uniforms that become contaminated.

One study states that drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii-calcoaceticus complex, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonize and infect combat casualties from Iraq and Afghanistan. Colonizing organisms were unrelated to isolates producing later infection in up to 27% of cases; most isolates underwent changes in antibiotic susceptibilities.

The other study from a large Israeli hospital reports that 60% of healthcare workers’ uniforms harbored dangerous bacteria. Among the pathogens cultured from uniforms were Acinetobacter baumannii and Methicillin-resistant Staphlococcus aureus (MRSA.)

About Vestagen Technical Textiles LLC
Vestagen Technical Textiles is an Orlando-based marketer and manufacturer of Active Barrier Protective fabrics and uniforms. Vestagen is led by a skilled management team with nearly a century of combined experience in the health care industry. Backed by V-Ten Capital Partners, Vestagen is committed to creating innovative textile solutions.