PHARMACY SERVICES, INC., LICENSES BIFURCATED SAFETY NEEDLE FOR GOVERNMENT SMALLPOX VACCINE PROGRAMS IN ANTICIPATION OF FEDERAL CONTRACT AWARD
Baltimore, MD. -- (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE via PRNetwire) -- April 9, 2002 -- Baltimore-based Pharmacy Services, Inc., a certified Minority Business Enterprise today announced that it has licensed Univec's new Bifurcated Safety Needle, designed to meet U.S. Government requirements for safe administration of the smallpox vaccine.
PSI has had various discussions with senior staff at Centers for Disease Control and Health and Human Services over the last several months. According to Jim Kirkwood, Chief Operating Officer, PSI expects a contract with the government to supply Bifurcated Safety Needles for the Federal Smallpox Vaccine Program. Univec's patented Bifurcated Safety Needles are the only ones available that comply with U.S. Public Law 106-430, "Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act," and OSHA regulations to effectively reduce the risk of accidental needle sticks.
Currently, the U.S. government has only contracted for bifurcated needles without safety features. Research by the International Health Care Worker Safety Center at the University of Virginia Health Systems states that "…a device with similar characteristics [to the bifurcated needle] is the fingerstick lancet which has an injury rate of 12.5 per 100,000 uses..." Simple extrapolation of that needlestick injury rate to the U.S. population under a full-scale smallpox vaccination program is 37,500 needlesticks. Using healthcare industry statistics, the potential for transfer of infectious disease such as Hepatitis and HIV could result in a healthcare cost of nearly $500 million. The new Bifurcated Safety Needle, at 25 cents would only cost 1% of that amount.
About PSI
Pharmacy Services, Inc., with locations in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Tennessee, is a certified Minority Business Enterprise that fulfills pharmaceutical and medical supply requirements for government entities such as correctional institutions, clinics and other healthcare facilities.
About Univec
Founded in 1992, Univec is considered one of the leading innovators in the design and production of auto-disable and safety syringes. The Company also provides safe delivery of physician samples and disposal of infectious medical waste.
Forward Looking Statements
This document contains forward-looking statements based on current expectations that could be affected by the risks and uncertainties involved in PSI's business, including with respect to the uncertainties of related to Federal contract awards.
MEDIA CONTACT
Jim Kirkwood, 717-236-7588
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