Ebiox test results

RNS Number:8429V
Healthcare Enterprise Group PLC
26 February 2004

                        Healthcare Enterprise Group PLC

                               Ebiox test results


Healthcare Enterprise Group PLC (HCEG), the healthcare products and services
company, announces the conclusion of controlled tests carried out by the NHS
Hospital Infection Research Laboratory City Hospital, Birmingham on its Ebiox
decontamination products.


The results show Ebiox to be an effective solution for eradicating bacteria,
including the MRSA 'Superbug' in two key areas: hand contact (washing) and cross
contamination from bacteria-laden work surfaces and floors.


The Department of Health has recognised hand decontamination, before and after
patient contact, as 'vital' to the control of hospital acquired infections*. It
has also identified that cleaning and disinfecting protocols are a key to 
'reducing reservoirs of infection in hospitals'*.


The Laboratory tests report that the Ebiox handrub and handwash products were 
'significantly more effective' than the standard reference product for the test
in eradicating bacteria, including MRSA from the hands.


As a general cleaning detergent for hard surfaces and flooring, Ebiox Trionic
Plus was proven to reduce the presence of bacterial organisms by 99.999%,
killing MRSA organisms within 30 seconds. The normal standards require a killing
effect within five minutes.


HCEG plans additional independent tests of Ebiox to verify further unique
qualities, including the product's ability to remove the germ laden 'biofilm' on
hard surfaces.   Detergents in common use do little to effectively strip away
residues, which enable the bacteria to thrive in what is known as a 'biofilm'.
Current tests being carried out are expected to show that Ebiox completely
removes this germ-laden biofilm, significantly reducing the potential for cross
infection.


Ebiox


Ebiox produces a range of patented cleansing and decontamination products, which
are designed to penetrate and remove the bacterial biofilm that harbours
pathogens such as prions, bacteria and viruses. Ebiox cleans surgical
instruments and surfaces to molecular level - achieving a 6-log reduction in
contaminationlevels.


Ebiox has a reputation for cleansing without drying or irritating the skin,
unlike alcohol-based products, which cause sore, dry hands, and therefore tend
to disincentivise hospital staff from adhering to hand hygiene protocols.


As well as the current range of products, which are now being marketed in the UK
and will shortly be introduced to the US market, Ebiox had a range of exciting
product innovations in development.  These will assist in the control of MRSA
and SARS.  The company also has products for the decontamination of dental
aspiration lines, hand disinfection products and retail disinfectant wipes.
Ebiox has a user-friendly alcohol free product range which is non harmful to all
surfaces.


Stuart Bruck, Chairman, Healthcare Enterprise Group PLC, commented:


"These results demonstrate that Ebiox is potentially a world class product. We
know of no other cleansing product, which removes the germ-laden biofilm as
effectively as Ebiox.  Moreover Ebiox is eminently more applicable in the
hospital environment.


"We are in negotiation with a number of additional customers for Ebiox which we
envisage will be accelerated through the results of these tests.


"Ebiox is one of a portfolio of exciting technologies which we hope to develop
commercially this year and we look forward to continuing strong newsflow on this
and the other operational aspects of the company."



26 February 2004


* See the Department of Health document - Winning Ways: Working together to
reduce Healthcare Associated Infection in England (www.doh.gov.uk/cmo/hai/
winningways.pdf)


Enquiries:

Healthcare Enterprise Group PLC                               Tel: [phone]
Stuart Bruck, Executive Chairman
Gordon Wood, CEO Products & Distribution Division

College Hill                                                  Tel: [phone]
Alex Sandberg / Nicholas Nelson / Corinna Dorward



Note to editors

Healthcare Enterprise Group PLC


A healthcare products and services company operating via two synergistic
divisions:


*  HCEG Products and Distribution division provides a wide range of
   healthcare products and services

*  HCEG Advisory and Healthcare Services division provides services to
   healthcare businesses


HCEG is listed on the UK AIM stock market with its head office in London and
subsidiary offices in Manchester, Liverpool, Germany and the USA.  HCEG is a
business engaged in medical product distribution, occupational health and
medical consultancy markets.  These businesses underpin a range of innovative
medical devices, which will be introduced to the market via HCEG's own
distribution network on a world-wide basis.



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