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To: R.C.L. who wrote (204)	3/17/1998 12:07:00 PM
From: R.C.L.	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 2887

competitors entering into the anti-latex market are increasing daily--A Breakthrough Solution To Allergic Reactions Caused By Latex PORTLAND, ORE. (Feb. 19) BUSINESS WIRE -Feb. 19, 1998--With tomorrow's National Latex Allergy Conference commencing in San Antonio, Texas, allergy experts, physicians, nurses and students will gather to discuss one of today's most serious health care problems. Latex allergy is caused by a reaction to latex proteins found in many items including protective gloves. The allergy affects five to twenty-five percent of health care workers every year and one to six percent of the general population, and there is evidence that repeated exposure is linked to increased sensitivity. An end to these reactions is in sight thanks to the development of a patented, breakthrough custom molecular coating method. Using this new method, the latex is "textured" to covalently attach a uniform coating to prevent protein leaching and to serve as a barrier between the latex and the skin. Without compromising the physical characteristics of the latex or causing any adverse effects, this coating method offers unrivaled protection to both user and patient. Because this groundbreaking new coating is attached by a covalent bond, it is permanent. This "molecular glue" acts as a barrier between the glove and skin, ending reactions caused by the leaching proteins. The barrier is attached at the molecular level and therefore offers a coating that benefits glove manufacturers who use powder as well as those who do not use powder. In addition to creating a barrier between the latex and the skin, the coating can also be enhanced to enable the attachment of other molecules including anti-coagulant or anti-bacterial agents to the latex. The coating could also render items hydrophobic or hydrophilic. Recently, the latex industry has focused a great deal of attention on trying to lower protein levels to reduce the number of allergic reactions. Unfortunately, there has been no determination of how little protein is little enough. Ikonos Corporation's new coating method bypasses this time consuming "how little is little enough" debate by offering a covalent bond between glove and skin -- a complete barrier that allows no protein leaching. Ikonos Corporation, a development stage company not involved in latex devices itself, made this discovery while bringing its chemical sensor products to market which involves patented proprietary technology which attaches functional groups to modify surfaces. The uniqueness of this technology is a one-step process that works on a variety of surfaces without compromising the "barrier integrity" or bulk properties of the latex surface. For a nominal fee, companies can provide Ikonos with a sample of their device to be coated. Because the coating method is so simple, it can be introduced into existing manufacturing processes without increasing capital expenditures. In the health care industry, the dependability and reliability of latex is a constant. Unfortunately, increased sensitivity is linked to repeated exposure. Therefore, the number of reported latex allergies continues to rise. A solution that balances the necessity of a protective product like latex yet also offers a shield from allergens is essential to both user and patient.