Newswise — CLEVELAND – April 17, 2020 – University Hospitals announced today the acquisition of 25,000 copper-infused reusable masks from Cupron, Inc., a copper-based technology company that harnesses the unique properties of copper for healthcare, consumer, industrial, and military applications.
“UH is one of the first health systems in the country to be allotted shipment of this innovative product,” explained Daniel I Simon, MD, UH Chief Clinical & Scientific Officer and President, UH Cleveland Medical Center. “This copper-infused fabric has been clinically validated to reduce the spread of hospital acquired infections such as C. Diff and MRSA. In utilizing the 25,000 Cupron masks for caregivers who are not treating COVID-19 positive patients, we can free up use of harder-to-obtain surgical masks and in some cases N95 masks.
Cupron’s proprietary and patented copper technology is blended into the material’s fiber at a specific concentration, similar to inserting other additives, ensuring that their technology remains embedded for the life of the product. Even when repeatedly subjected to the industrial laundering process with high temperatures, high pH values, long cycles, and harsh chemicals, Cupron technology remains effective, rendering these reusable masks a viable solution for caregivers during this unprecedented time.
“We are pleased to collaborate with Cupron on this initiative,” said Willie Brien, MD, UH Chief Medical & Quality Officer. “Through our use of these masks, we will help the company evaluate the clinical and economic effectiveness of deploying this technology in an environment not only taxed for material resources but in a go-forward health care environment where margins are thinning and supply chain efficiencies can help reduce costs while ensuring quality and safety remain intact. The copper technology contained in these masks kills certain germs and will aid in helping us keep our health care workers safe.”
The impact of Cupron’s copper-infused technology on healthcare-associated infections (HAI) has been peer-reviewed and published in several scientific journals. The reusable three-layer face mask is made from a blend of 55 percent cotton and 45 percent Cupron polyester. Cupron fibers are made by an industrial process called “Melt extrusion” during which polymer is melted and Cupron Copper particles are added to the molten polymer and extruded into fibers & yarns. This process ensures uniform and consistent distribution of Cupron Copper throughout the fibers. Cupron Copper is physically and permanently embedded in the fibers and the copper and its activity lasts for the life of the linens. Masks can be laundered at home using hot water and regular home detergent, or by a commercial laundry service provider.
“We are privileged to be able to supply one of the largest health systems in Ohio with our innovative product during this pandemic event,” said Chris Andrews, Chief Executive Officer of Cupron, Inc. “University Hospitals is a proven innovator in the health care industry and we look forward to the clinical feedback and shared learnings that arise from their use of our copper technology.”
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About University Hospitals
Founded in 1866, University Hospitals serves the needs of patients through an integrated network of 18 hospitals, more than 50 health centers and outpatient facilities, and 200 physician offices in 16 counties throughout northern Ohio. The system’s flagship academic medical center, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, located in Cleveland’s University Circle, is affiliated with Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. The main campus also includes University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, ranked among the top children’s hospitals in the nation; University Hospitals MacDonald Women's Hospital, Ohio's only hospital for women; University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute, a high-volume national referral center for complex cardiovascular procedures; and University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, part of the NCI-designated Case Comprehensive Cancer Center. UH is home to some of the most prestigious clinical and research programs in the nation, including cancer, pediatrics, women's health, orthopedics, radiology, neuroscience, cardiology and cardiovascular surgery, digestive health, transplantation and urology. UH Cleveland Medical Center is perennially among the highest performers in national ranking surveys, including “America’s Best Hospitals” from U.S. News & World Report. UH is also home to Harrington Discovery Institute at University Hospitals – part of The Harrington Project for Discovery & Development. UH is one of the largest employers in Northeast Ohio with 28,000 physicians and employees. Advancing the Science of Health and the Art of Compassion is UH’s vision for benefitting its patients into the future, and the organization’s unwavering mission is To Heal. To Teach. To Discover. Follow UH on LinkedIn, Facebook @UniversityHospitals and Twitter @UHhospitals. For more information, visit UHhospitals.org.
About Cupron Inc.
Cupron, Inc. is a copper-based technology company based in Richmond, Virginia that harnesses the unique properties of copper for health care, consumer, industrial and military applications. With a deep commitment to research, Cupron’s embedded copper technology is patented and has earned multiple, unique public health claims from the Environmental Protection Agency. To date, Cupron’s research program has directly resulted in the publication of more than 40 scientific articles. Learn more at Cupron.com.
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