Sage Products and 3M Infection Prevention Announce Agreement

CARY, Ill. and ST. PAUL, Minn., Dec. 15, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Sage Products, Inc. and the 3M Infection Prevention Division have entered into an agreement in which Sage Products will purchase pre-filled, single dose bottles of 3M™ Peridex™ Oral Rinse for its Q-Care® Rx systems, effective immediately.  Sage Toothette® Oral Care Q-Care® Systems are the most widely used brand in comprehensive oral hygiene.  The agreement brings together two well established companies who offer high quality brand-name products in several areas of healthcare ranging from oral care to hand hygiene and patient prepping.

The companies are exploring additional opportunities to partner on a variety of initiatives designed to minimize the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).  Under the banner of "Partners for Prevention," the companies are pursuing initiatives such as joint customer education programs and possible expansion into international markets.

"3M and Sage Products are by far the most recognized leaders in this market and it made sense for our companies to work together. Both brands are known for their quality and integrity. We've been looking for ways to work together on prevention and education initiatives with the goal of achieving greater patient care outcomes," said Scott Brown, President and COO of Sage Products.

"3M is excited to embark on this business venture with Sage. Customer education and product innovation are integral to our culture, and we look forward to working with Sage on these types of endeavors," said Debra Rectenwald, President and General Manager, 3M Infection Prevention Division.

The Sage Products' oral care franchise, including Q-Care Rx systems, accounts for a ninety-one percent (91%) share of the U.S. hospital market, according to GHX National Trend Report. Additionally, Sage Products sells its oral care products internationally in Canada, Europe, Asia, Australia and South America.

Q-Care Rx systems provide a proven, comprehensive approach to oral care, combining cleaning, debriding, suctioning and moisturizing the oral cavity. This practice is widely recommended in published guidelines from the CDC, AACN, APIC and SHEA organizations. Recently, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) added daily comprehensive oral care with 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) to its recommended ventilator bundle advising comprehensive oral care with CHG for hospitals striving to achieve their prevention goals.

Peridex™ (Chlorhexidine Gluconate 0.12%) Oral Rinse from 3M is supported by more than 20 years of clinical proof in reducing gingivitis. Peridex Oral Rinse provides antimicrobial activity during oral rinsing and does not cause bacterial resistance. Peridex Oral Rinse is FDA approved.

About Sage Products, Inc.

Since 1971, Sage Products has developed disposable healthcare products trusted by leading healthcare facilities worldwide. The company has a core belief in prevention--that evidence-based interventions improve outcomes. Sage is pioneering Interventional Patient Hygiene (IPH) with industry-leading brands such as Toothette® oral care, Sage 2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate Cloths for patient preoperative skin preparation, Comfort Bath® with Skin Check™ full-body cleansing, Comfort Shield® all-in-one incontinence care, and Prevalon® pressure-relieving heel protection. These advanced hygiene products make it easier for busy nurses to deliver essential patient care. The company's goal is to help improve patient safety and outcomes by preventing skin breakdown, healthcare-associated pneumonias, surgical site infections, and other adverse nosocomial events. For more information about Sage Products, visit the company's website at www.sageproducts.com.

About 3M Infection Prevention

3M Infection Prevention Division is truly on a mission to help reduce healthcare-associated infections through its infection prevention solutions. With its system of people, products and processes, 3M remains a trusted partner committed to helping hospitals reduce the risk of infections, improve patient outcomes, and control their bottom lines. Learn more at www.3m.com/infectionprevention.

About 3M Health Care

3M Health Care, one of 3M's six major business segments, provides world-class innovative products and services to help healthcare professionals improve the practice, delivery and outcome of patient care in medical, oral care, drug delivery, food safety and health information markets. Learn more at www.3m.com/healthcare.

Peridex and 3M are trademarks of 3M.

SOURCE Sage Products, Inc.