Message #18 From:
NewsBot Date: August 21, 2006 10:52:00 AM
EMFP News Emergency Filtration Products' NanoMask Receives 'Class 1' Medical Device Status in Australia; Friedmann Group Set to Launch Comprehensive Australian NanoMask Marketing Campaign
HENDERSON, Nev.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 21, 2006--Emergency Filtration Products Inc. (EFP) (OTCBB: EMFP) today reported that its NanoMask has been registered with the Therapeutics Goods Administration (TGA) (the Australian counterpart to the U.S. FDA) as a Class 1 medical device. As a result of this registration, the company's exclusive Australian distributor, The Friedmann Group (TFG), will launch an extensive marketing campaign in Australia.
Part of the preparation for TGA approval included performance of required biocompatibility testing for respiratory devices. This included an in vitro test, cytotoxicity, and two in vivo tests, sensitivity and irritation. The three tests were successfully conducted on both the enhanced media and the thermoplastic retention frame. All results satisfied both the TGA and FDA criteria for medical devices.
Confirmation of the NanoMask's Class 1 Medical Device registration with the TGA can be found at:
www.tgasime.health.gov.au/SIME/artg/artgpublicweb.nsf/0118e649f 21529bdca256996000e1dfe/6c3f573eab67447dca25713d005ac2e7?OpenDocument (Due to the length of this URL, it may be necessary to copy and paste this hyperlink into your Internet browser's URL address field. You may also need to remove an extra space in the URL if one exists.)
In preparation for the launch, TFG plans to set a recommended retail price Australia wide, a move deemed important, as it will allow NanoMask sales to be made directly to consumers, via retail resellers and also to industrial clients in a uniform manner.
Retail packaging for the Australian market is also being prepared to meet the regulations applicable to a "Class 1" medical device in Australia. This packaging will also enhance the prestige of the product and assist in creating a consumer "friendly" image; a well-presented product is expected to sell better in a resale environment. Point-of-sale displays are also being designed for this purpose.
TFG plans to launch a NanoMask Web site as early as this week, which is designed to be a comprehensive information source for customers. It will also offer multitiered purchasing facilities, so retail customers, resellers (such as pharmacies, airport traders and travel agents) and industrial clients can purchase product online. It will be backed up with SSL and real-time banking facilities.
EFP's Australian distributor is also preparing an Internet marketing campaign based around maximizing organic search listings and supported with a paid listing campaign on all major search engines servicing the Australian region. This will ensure that the product's Australian Web site will receive significant Internet traffic from Australian consumers. TFG further plans to implement a logistical set-up that will allow it to dispatch product anywhere in Australia, usually with a next business day turnaround.
Australian governmental agencies represent another important target market for the NanoMask and TGF intends on vigorously pursuing this market. Peripheral markets are also being successfully explored: The NanoMask was recently placed as a full-page feature product in a new catalog which will be sent in the coming weeks to several large travel agent chains with many stores throughout Australia, who will be able to sell the NanoMask to travelers and earn a commission in the process.
TFG's representative, Dion Mrocki, stated: "We are now in an excellent position to introduce the NanoMask into the Australian market. Recent developments have made pandemic preparation a critical issue for businesses and individuals alike in Australia. We are confident that the NanoMask can effectively meet this urgent need. With the ongoing support of EFP, we expect to achieve outstanding results."
"We are delighted to have had our NanoMask registered as a Class 1 Medical Device by Australia's Therapeutics Goods Administration after a rigorous review process," said Douglas K. Beplate, president & CEO, EFP. "EFP is excited at the potential of the Australian market and is especially pleased to be partnering with The Friedmann Group, which is a substantial, well-established company with substantial assets and retail marketing expertise, two factors which we expect to lead to major market penetration in this market."
About The Friedmann Group
The Friedmann Group has a long and successful history in the various sectors of the Australian economy. It is a family-owned enterprise of high net worth, which was started more than 50 years ago. Today, The Friedmann Group is involved with some of the most high-profile companies operating in the construction sector, the property sector, and various supermarket and retail chains in Australia
About Emergency Filtration Products Inc.
EFP (http://www.emergencyfiltration.com/) is an air filtration products manufacturer whose patented 2H Technology(TM) filter system has produced filtration efficiencies of "greater than 99.99%" at a particulate size of 0.027 microns. Its initial products were developed for the medical market: the Vapor Isolation Valve(TM) and RespAide(R) CPR Isolation Mask used for resuscitation of respiratory/cardiac arrest cases; and the 2H Breathing Circuit Filter for ventilators, respirators and anesthesia circuitry. Each has received FDA approval. The company also markets an Automated External Defibrillator Prep Kit featuring RespAide; and the NanoMask(R), a nanotechnology enhanced environmental mask. In addition to filtration products, the company supplies Superstat(R), a modified hemostatic collagen, to the U.S. military for surgery and extreme wound care.
Safe Harbor Statement
This release may contain statements that are forward looking. Such statements are made based upon current expectations that are subject to risk and uncertainty. EFP does not undertake to update forward-looking statements in this news release to reflect actual results of and changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting such forward-looking information. The actual future results of the company could differ significantly from such forward-looking statements. Regulatory approval does not guarantee significant sales. Actual sales may be dependent on the success of planned marketing campaigns and both the perceived need for EFP's products and the competitive performance of such products in the marketplace.
