October 2000

Terumo system helps prevent accidental needlestick injuries New SURPLUG Needleless Closed System

Tokyo-based Terumo Corporation has released SURPLUG, a piece of equipment for use in intravenous drips that decreases the chance of hospital-acquired infections from bacterial contamination and prevents accidental needlestick injuries among medical staff. The recommended retail price for SURPLUG is 4,500 yen (25 units/box, subject to consumption tax). Terumo has set a sales objective of 80 million yen for the current fiscal year (ending March 2001).

What is known as a three-ways stopcock is inserted along the I.V. tube for injecting drugs while the intravenous drip is in place. Traditionally, drugs were injected through a needle inserted through a tube fitted with a rubber plug to prevent bacteria from entering through the connection. With SURPLUG, silicone rubber is used to create an airtight seal. This a proprietary silicone rubber technology^*, is structured to allow introduction of drugs without a needle, thus helping to prevent needlestick injuries among medical staff. In addition, the surface of the plug is flat for easy sterilization, reducing the risk of bacterial contamination from fluid remaining on the surface after wiping.

*SURPLUG is patented by the U.S. company ALARIS Medical Systems, Inc. Terumo imports, packages and sterilizes, then ships the products for sale in Japan.

SURPLUG product features

1. Prevents needlestick injuries
   SURPLUG helps prevent needlestick injuries among medical staff as no needles are used in the procedure.
2. Totally closed system*
   The nozzle of the syringe in inserted through the plug, and the drug injected into the intravenous route. The plug seals over as the syringe is withdrawn, and so the route remains closed. *Closed system: Maintenance of airtight conditions
3. Convenient waste disposal
   Because no metal is used in this product, it can be disposed of as a plastic item, eliminating the need for separation for disposal.

Market for products that prevent needlestick injuries

Closed system injection is used in 80% of intravenous tubes in the U.S., a result of the country's active stance on measures for preventing needlestick injuries and hospital acquired infections. As awareness of needlestick accidents increases in Japan, an increasing number of medical institutions are taking similar measures, and future growth is expected for this market.

Terumo holds the number one share of the domestic market for intravenous tubing. SURPLUG is the first of a series of planned system products for use in conjunction with intravenous tubing, and the SURPLUG is expected to become a standard piece of equipment in infusion systems.

In the future, Terumo will continue efforts not only to prevent needlestick injuries among healthcare workers, but also to develop safety equipment to facilitate better care for patients everywhere.

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