Valve Connectors Designed to Prevent Cytotoxic Drug Exposure to Medical Workers Utilize Bayer MaterialScience Plastic

Anaheim, CA, February 18, 2013 --(PR.com)-- Life-saving medication can be a godsend to patients, yet inadvertent exposure to cytotoxic drugs is a serious threat to the medical professionals administering them.

Infusion Innovations Inc. (I3) says its Q-FLO™ product represents a significant advance in the state of the art of closed system devices, offering improved safety and convenience for healthcare workers administering cytotoxic drugs to patients.

I3 selected Bayer MaterialScience LLC’s Makrolon® Rx1805 medical grade polycarbonate for the Q-FLO™ because of the material’s strength, clarity, lipid/chemical resistance, biocompatibility and gamma stability. The medical grade polycarbonate meets IS0 10993-1 and USP Class VI tests for up to 30-day contact with human tissue.

“When engineering the Q-FLO™ we wanted an approved and established material meeting U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements along with a proven safety and functional profile,” said Babak Nemati, Ph.D., president & CEO of I3. “Bayer’s plastic not only met these stringent requirements, it also offered the level of chemical resistance required for use with cytotoxic and nuclear medicine.”

According to I3, the Q-FLO™ closed, no drip, valved male luer connectors offer complete swabability at the top of the connector, with a flat, smooth surface allowing for true friction disinfection during pre-access swabbing; and a sequential locking mechanism, which prohibits accidental discharge. Additionally, it has a unique visual indicator confirming connection status.

Q-FLO™ is cleared by the FDA for use in reconstituting, dispensing/transferring, administering, and disposal of potentially hazardous fluids, says the manufacturer. These fluids include those used in chemotherapy, radioactive isotopes, blood products and nuclear medicine, as well as non-hazardous fluids. The connector can be imbedded into the barrel of a 3cc syringe.

“The Q-FLO™ represents an innovative product that meets a real need in the healthcare market,” said Bruce Fine, market segment leader, Medical and Consumer Products, Polycarbonates, Bayer MaterialScience LLC. “We worked closely with I3 to provide a high-quality, proven material that meets rigorous requirements and reduces the risks for medical professionals administering life-saving medications.”

About Infusion Innovations Inc.:
Infusion Innovations Inc. is a California Corporation, based in San Diego, focused on the design, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of innovative products for improved hospital safety. Founded in 2006, I³ has a strong proprietary portfolio of products ranging from needle-less injection site connectors, to safety syringes, and bio-diagnostic sampling devices, all designed to improve hospital safety.

About Bayer MaterialScience LLC:
Bayer MaterialScience LLC is one of the leading producers of polymers and high-performance plastics in North America and is part of the global Bayer MaterialScience business with approximately 14,800 employees at 30 production sites around the world and 2011 sales of 10.8 billion euros. Bayer MaterialScience’s 2011 sales in North America were $2.9 billion. The company manufactures high-tech polymer materials and develops innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, electrical and electronics, construction, medical, and sports and leisure industries. Sustainability is central to Bayer MaterialScience LLC’s business and is based around the key areas of innovation, product stewardship, excellence in corporate management, social responsibility and respect for the environment.

Contact:
John Skabardonis, Phone: 412-777-5200
Email: john.skabardonis@bayer.com

For more information about Bayer MaterialScience's polycarbonate materials and technologies, call 1-800-662-2927, visit www.bmsnafta.com or email medicalinfo@bayer.com.

For more information about Infusion Innovations Inc., visit infusioninnovations.net.

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer Group or subgroup management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer’s public reports which are available on the Bayer website at www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.