NON-DEHP INTRAVENOUS (IV) SETS PROTECT PATIENTS FROM TOXIC CHEMICALS IN THE DRIP CHAMBER

TAMPA, Fla. -- (July 24, 2002) -- Kawasumi Laboratories America, Inc. has designed a line of Gravity IV sets which are non-DEHP throughout the entire IV fluid path, including tubing and the drip chamber. Used by health professionals for the administration of intravenous solutions to patients, Kawasumi Gravity IV sets address the growing concern of DEHP, a known carcinogen, "leaching" from the drip chamber as well as the IV tubing itself. Leaching is most common with the infusion of two key cancer drugs, Taxol and Taxatere.

DEHP (di-ethylhexyl phthalate) is a plasticizer adding flexibility to PVC plastic which is frequently used in medical products such as IV bags, blood bags and tubing. The issue of non-DEHP plasticizer has become critical in the administration of IV solutions, particularly in the case of chemotherapy treatment where the drug can leach plasticizer from the fluid path and infuse it to the patient.

"Kawasumi is concerned about the potential health risk posed by DEHP in PVC products, specifically in the treatment of patients with cancer," said Ron Lamb, president of Kawasumi Laboratories America. "As a result, we have eliminated the use of DEHP in the tubing and, just as important, in the drip chamber of our IV sets, establishing a non-DEHP fluid path."

Scott Horowitz, marketing manager for Kawasumi added, "As an exhibitor at the recent Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) meeting in Washington, D.C., we found that many of the nurses were unsure of whether or not they had a non-DEHP drip chamber. When they learned about our non-DEHP product offering, it really sparked their interest."

The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Toxicology Program have published information addressing the health concerns of DEHP. Most recently (on July 12, 2002), the FDA issued a Public Health Notification recommending that alternatives to DEHP-containing PVC medical devices be used when possible for certain medical procedures. In addition, a number of private health advocates such as Health Care Without Harm, a campaign for environmentally responsible health care, have warned of DEHP leaching into the fluid within medical devices.

"In our view, a part of the solution should not be a part of the problem," said Lamb. "We hope that health care professionals and patients needing medications administered through an IV will learn more about DEHP and will take steps to prevent this potential health risk."

Kawasumi Gravity IV sets are available in a wide selection of configurations for many cancer and non-cancer application needs (based on the type of solution container, the need to inject drugs during the infusion, blood sampling requirements, etc.). Gravity IV sets are latex free, sterile and disposable, with a needleless access connector and efficient roller clamp.

For more information on Gravity IV sets and a complete line of oncology and hematology products, call 1-800-KAWASUMI (529-2786) or visit www.kawasumiamerica.com.

About Kawasumi
Founded in 1954, Kawasumi Laboratories, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of medical devices and pharmaceuticals. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, the company is listed on the Second Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Kawasumi Laboratories America, Inc., based in Tampa, Fla. since 1991, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kawasumi Laboratories, Inc.


EDITORS' NOTE – A high-resolution image of Kawasumi Gravity IV sets is available in electronic format. Contact Rachel Nelson at rnelson@pci-web.com to request the photo.





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