Convatec’s pioneering catheter for women continues to scale up in Europe

GentleCath Air™ for Women with FeelClean Technology™ protects against urethral damage and the risk of UTIs^1,2. Convatec’s FeelClean Technology™ is designed to improve outcomes and quality of life for intermittent catheter users^1,2.

26 July 2024 – Convatec, a leading medical products and technologies company, announces the launch of GentleCath Air™ for Women with FeelClean Technology™, in the UK and Italy, following its successful launch in France. We launch in the United States in September 2024.

Since the initial launch late last year, we have consistently received positive feedback from both end-users and healthcare professionals. This is reflected in steady growth in our female compact segment share.

The new compact offering blends gentle, protective cathing with everyday discretion and ease of use.

GentleCath Air™ for Women uses next-generation FeelClean Technology™. It uniquely integrates hydrophilic properties into the material of the catheter, avoiding the sticking and tugging associated with some coated hydrophilic catheters¹ – while decreasing mess and residue¹.

It is designed to minimise damage to the urethral mucosa, reduce discomfort, bleeding and protect as the first line of defence against UTIs.¹
Key features: 

• Discreet cosmetic design: Designed to look like a cosmetic, it blends discreetly into everyday life – fits into a pocket, purse, or handbag
• Pure³ water, instant activation: Open the case, pull out the catheter, and it’s ready to go
• Easy and hygienic to handle: A long funnel for easy handling without touching the catheter⁴
• AirCase™ cap: The cap securely clicks onto the base with fewer pieces and less worry during cathing
• Leak-proof seal⁴: The AirCase™ is resealable and leak-proof, for discreet disposal when convenient
• Sustainable packaging: the case is 100% recyclable and has no PVC⁴

Seth Segel, President & Chief Operating Officer, Continence Care & Home Services Group, said: “In line with our forever caring promise, we designed this pioneering catheter by listening carefully to the needs of our customers as well as healthcare professionals. Beyond the technological benefits of our unique FeelClean Technology™, we delivered practical, everyday usability features in this product. Our aim is to ensure cathing is as smooth and efficient as possible, while maximising comfort, confidence, and the quality of life of our customers.”

The European Medical Journal published insights from an expert roundtable discussion on navigating intermittent catheterisation-associated complications in September 2023. The findings from this discussion stated: “By establishing unified definitions, improving education initiatives, patient comfort, and embracing technological advancements such as FeelClean Technology™, significant progress may be made in reducing complications and enhancing patient care in IC management.⁵”

Scientists from the School of Pharmacy, Queens University Belfast, have recently published a paper in a scientific journal demonstrating that GentleCath™ with FeelClean Technology™ causes 30% less damage to human urethral cells compared to the leading PVP-coated hydrophilic catheters².

GentleCath™ with FeelClean Technology™
Gentle protection. Confident living.
For more information, visit convatec.com or contact a member of the me+ support team

Contacts
Analysts & Investors:    ir@convatec.com
Media:             mediarelations@convatec.com

About Convatec
Pioneering trusted medical solutions to improve the lives we touch: Convatec is a global medical products and technologies company, focused on solutions for the management of chronic conditions, with leading positions in advanced wound care, ostomy care, continence care and infusion care. With around 10,000 colleagues, we provide our products and services in almost 100 countries, united by a promise to be forever caring. Our solutions provide a range of benefits, from infection prevention and protection of at-risk skin, to improved patient outcomes and reduced care costs. Convatec revenues in 2023 were over $2 billion. The company is a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index (LSE:CTEC). To learn more about Convatec, please visit https://www.convatecgroup.com

References
1. Pollard D, Allen D, Irwin NJ, Moore JV, McClelland N, McCoy CP. Evaluation of an integrated amphiphilic surfactant as an alternative to traditional polyvinylpyrrolidone coatings for hydrophilic intermittent urinary catheters. Biotribology. Published online August 31, 2022:100223.
2. Burns, J, Pollard, D, Ali, A, McCoy, CP, Carson, L & Wylie, MP 2024, ‘Comparing an integrated amphiphilic surfactant to traditional hydrophilic coatings for the reduction of catheter-associated urethral microtrauma’, ACS Omega. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.4c02109
3. RPT-006447 Biological Evaluation Process. Data on file.
4. Data on file. Convatec. 2023.
5. EMJ. 2023;8[3]:38-48.DOI/10.33590/emj/10306793

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