Equashield
Company typecompany
IndustryClosed system drug transfer device industry
Founded2009; 15 years ago (2009)
HeadquartersNew York City
Key people
Eric Shem-Tov, CEO
Products
  • EQUASHIELD, a Barrier type CSTD
  • Equashield Pro, an automated compounding robot
Websitehttps://www.equashield.com/


Equashield is a global privately held medical device company. It is focused on protecting healthcare workers from hazardous drug exposure by developing automated compounding robots and Closed system drug transfer devices.[1][2] Its products are sold in over 25 countries across 5 continents and are the most used CSTD in the United States.[3][4][5]

History

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Equashield was founded by Eric Shem-Tov and Marino Kriheli in 2009. [6]

The company was established with the aim of developing a new generation of closed-system drug transfer devices (CSTDs) to address the safety concerns associated with handling hazardous drugs in healthcare settings.

Equashield Opened $30 Million Manufacturing Facility in 2019. [7]

in 2020, Equashield sold 25% stake to Nordic Capital at $1.3 billion valuation.[4]


Products

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Hazardous drugs, such as certain chemotherapy medications, can pose risks to healthcare workers who handle them due to their potential for toxicity and the risk of exposure. CSTDs provide a closed environment that prevents the escape of hazardous drug particles and vapors during various processes, including drug reconstitution, administration, and waste disposal. 

Equashield's CSTDs are designed to protect healthcare professionals from potential exposure to hazardous drugs, minimizing the risks associated with handling these substances. They offer a range of products, including syringe-based systems, closed vial access devices, and other accessories.

The goal of Equashield's technology is to promote safety, reduce the risk of contamination, and improve the overall handling of hazardous drugs in healthcare facilities. By using Equashield's CSTDs, healthcare workers can minimize their exposure to potentially harmful substances, ensuring a safer working environment.

EQUASHIELD CSTD

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Equashield CSTD components

The fully encapsulated Syringe Units prevents the exposure to syringe plunger and barrel contamination caused by hazardous drug handling. [8]

Syringe Units

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The system is equipped with a built-in closed pressure equalization with sterile air. The connector is permanently bonded onto the syringe body preventing accidental disconnections and house shielded needles to prevent the risk of accidental needle sticks.[9]

Syringe Units maintain a closed pressure equalization that prevents the escape of vapors and aerosols during compounding and administration. A unique dual-needle, air-to-liquid exchange system, combined with a closed-back sterile air chamber behind the syringe, ensures that pressure is equalized in a system throughout the hazardous drug handling process.[10]

Vial adaptors

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Vial Adaptor firmly snaps onto a standard vial with a unique mechanism that prevents angled or non-centered spiking. The vial adaptor provides a safe and contamination-free vial access port for the Syringe Unit.

The vial adaptor’s elastomeric membrane serves a dual purpose; to serve as a microbial barrier preventing microbial ingress, remaining drug residue-free for up to 10 repeated connections in 7 days.[11]

Spike adaptors

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Spike adaptors are designed to firmly connect between any standard IV bag and tubing set, enabling the safe transfer of medication dose into the IV Bag. Considering variations among various IV Bag manufacturers

The SA-W is designed for safe and cost-effective withdrawal of diluent for reconstitution with the Syringe Units (SU). Designed also to work in conjunction with FC-180 to cost-effectively administer multiple consecutive medications to a patient while maintaining a closed system.[12]


EQUASHIELD PRO

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Equashield PRO

EQUASHIELD® Pro is an automated compounding robot. Utilizing CSTD.

Unlike traditional robot’s reliance on robotic arms that mimic human motion with the use of conventional needle and syringe methods, which may potentially lead to cytotoxic drips, spills, aerosols and vapor release, EQUASHIELD Pro uses a multi-station compounding approach to minimize both the motion and time it takes to prepare a dose, much like a factory manufacturing line.[13]


EQUASHIELD® Pro is designed to make the adoption of robotics simple and affordable in the IV compounding workspace. It is comparable in size to a standard Biological Safety Cabinet, making it easy to fit into hospital pharmacies. [14]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ ltd, Research and Markets. "Closed System Drug Transfer Devices - Research and Markets". www.researchandmarkets.com. Retrieved 2018-07-22.
  2. ^ Page, Michael (20 May 2016). "Closed-System Transfer Devices: Design Characteristics and Evolving Performance Standards". www.pharmacytimes.com. May 2016. 5 (3). Pharmacy & Healthcare Communications, LLC. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
  3. ^ "Equashield Named as Most Used Closed System in U.S. for Hazardous Drug Preparation and Administration for the Fourth Year Running". Yahoo. 15 November 2022. Retrieved 17 July 2023.
  4. ^ a b Hazani, Golan (6 October 2022). "Biotech company Equashield sells 25% stake to Nordic Capital at $1.3 billion valuation". Calcalist. Retrieved 17 July 2023.
  5. ^ Ruggles, Megan (12 September 2022). "Equashield's automated facility fulfills orders at 'record pace'". Supply Chain Dive. Retrieved 17 July 2023.
  6. ^ Cohen, Tova (17 April 2014). "Israeli sealed syringe maker Equashield sees surging sales". Reuters. Retrieved 17 July 2023.
  7. ^ "Equashield to Open New $30 Million Manufacturing Facility to Accommodate Future Growth in Product Portfolio and Increase Production Capabilities". MJH Life Sciences. 24 May 2017. Retrieved 17 July 2023.
  8. ^ Favier, Bertrand; Gilles, Laurence; Latour, Jean François; Desage, Michel; Giammarile, Francesco (March 2005). "Contamination of syringe plungers during the sampling of cyclophosphamide solutions". Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice: Official Publication of the International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners. 11 (1): 1–5. doi:10.1191/1078155205jp147oa. ISSN 1078-1552.
  9. ^ Clark, Bernadette A.; Sessink, Paul J. M. (June 2013). "Use of a closed system drug-transfer device eliminates surface contamination with antineoplastic agents". Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice: Official Publication of the International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners. 19 (2): 99–104. doi:10.1177/1078155212468367. ISSN 1477-092X.
  10. ^ Cite error: The named reference :0 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  11. ^ Smith, Stephen T.; Szlaczky, Mark C. (October 2014). "Syringe plunger contamination by hazardous drugs: a comparative study". Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice: Official Publication of the International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners. 20 (5): 381–385. doi:10.1177/1078155214526428. ISSN 1477-092X.
  12. ^ Klein Leichman, Abigail (9 February 2014). "Equashield shields medical personnel from toxic drugs". ISRAEL21c. Retrieved 17 July 2023.
  13. ^ Shamah, David (12 January 2014). "Unique syringe keeps hospital staff safe from fatal drug residue". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 17 July 2023.
  14. ^ Ford, Omar (19 June 2018). "MDEA Winner Shows the Value of Nonsurgical Robots in Healthcare". Medical Device + Diagnostic Industry. Retrieved 17 July 2023.
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