Premier Medical Journal Spotlights Covalon’s VALGUARD: A Novel Solution to Long-Standing Problem of Protecting Vascular Access Sites

New Journal of Association for Vascular Access publication featuring VALGuard offers health care professionals Continuing Education Credits as it contributes to their professional development

Covalon Technologies Ltd. (the "Company" or "Covalon") (TSXV: COV; OTCQX: CVALF), an advanced medical technologies company, today announced the publication of an article in the Journal of the Association for Vascular Access (JAVA), titled “Guarding the Central Venous Access Device: A New Solution for an Old Problem”, authored by Darcy Doellman, MSN, RN, VA-BC, a leading expert in pediatric vascular access. Recently retired from the top-ranked US Children’s Hospital, Darcy has established herself as a thought leader in the field of pediatric vascular access, authoring clinical guidelines, facilitating courses on pediatric intravenous skills and catheter insertions across the US, and regularly publishing research in prominent peer reviewed journals.

“Innovation is at the heart of better patient care, but the true power of new technology lies in how effectively we can communicate and learn about these breakthroughs,” said Ron Hebert, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Covalon. “At Covalon we’re incredibly grateful to JAVA and Darcy for bringing greater awareness to how Covalon’s VALGuard product can protect and empower more patients receiving vascular access care. We’re on the frontline of change in infection prevention and we’re committed to pushing forward this vital conversation.”

The JAVA article, which was selected by the Journal for CE (continuing education) marking, aims to update health care professionals on various sources of CVAD (Central Venous Access Device) contamination as a major contributor to CLABSIs (Central line-associated blood stream infections), while highlighting practices and innovations designed to address the issue. The majority of CLABSIs are preventable, and strengthening infection protection bundles with improved practices and new technology is a proven approach.

In the article, Doellman states, “The actions of our peers and research on causes of CLABSI favor barrier protection where CVADs are vulnerable to pathogen entry, for which there is now a dedicated, safe, and cost-effective solution available.”

Article highlights include:

• CLABSIs are a major concern in both the adult and pediatric patient population.
• Contamination of catheter hubs is a common cause of CLABSI.
• VALGuard is a novel, transparent line guard that protects CVAD hubs from gross contamination.

CLABSIs are serious healthcare-acquired infections associated with prolonged use of central venous access devices. CLABSIs are a major concern for all patients, particularly neonatal and pediatric patients, and for health care providers. In recent times, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, CLABSI rates have risen significantly, with the United States Center for Disease Control reporting a 65% CLABSI increase in Intensive Care Units in 2020.

Now, more than ever, new solutions are needed to address climbing CLABSI rates. VALGuard is a novel, transparent line guard that helps healthcare providers protect CVAD hubs from gross contamination and strengthen critical infection prevention bundles, which play an essential role in keeping patients safe. Covalon is leading the way in compassionate care solutions designed to help patients and healthcare professionals prevent infections and improve outcomes.

For healthcare providers who are interested in learning more about Covalon’s solutions, visit www.covalon.com or follow Covalon on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Reference

Doellman, D. Guarding the Central venous Access Device: A New Solution for an Old Problem. Journal of the Association for Vascular Access. 2023;28(2):14-18.

About Covalon

Covalon Technologies Ltd. is a patient-driven medical device company, built on the relentless pursuit to help the most vulnerable patients have a better chance at healing. Through a strong portfolio of patented technologies and solutions for advanced wound care, infection prevention, and medical device coatings, we offer innovative, gentler, and more compassionate options for patients to heal with less infections, less pain, and better outcomes. Our solutions are designed for patients and made for care providers. Covalon leverages its patented medical technology platforms and expertise in two ways: (i) by developing products that are sold under Covalon’s name; and (ii) by developing and commercializing medical products for other medical companies under development and license contracts. The Company is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange, having the symbol COV and trades on the OTCQX Market under the symbol CVALF. To learn more about Covalon, visit our website at www.covalon.com.

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This news release may contain forward-looking statements which reflect the Company's current expectations regarding future events. The forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "plan, "estimate", "expect", "intend", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events, or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might”, “will” or “will be taken”, “occur”, or “be achieved”. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts, but instead represent management’s expectations, estimates, and projections regarding future events. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the factors described in greater detail in the “Risks and Uncertainties” section of our management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations for the year ended September 30, 2022, which is available on the Company’s profile at www.sedar.com, any of which could cause results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from the results discussed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Investors should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or alter any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, further events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

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The actions of our peers and research on causes of CLABSI favor barrier protection where CVADs are vulnerable to pathogen entry, for which there is now a dedicated, safe, and cost-effective solution available.