Medical textiles firm PurThread closes $7mn funding

November 05, 2013 - United States Of America

Award-winning life science and high-performance textile company PurThread Technologies announced that it has closed an equity round totaling just over $7 million.

The investment was led by PurThread Board Chair, Richard S. Bodman, with a select group of experienced investors who share the company’s passion for reducing bioburden in the hospital environment. Funding will be put toward the growth, research and development of PurThread’s technologies.

“The markets for PurThread’s innovative technology and products are compelling. We are pleased to support the company’s goal of continuously reducing the level of bioburden in hospital environments,” said Bodman.

“Antimicrobial resistance is on the rise, leading hospitals to focus on additional ways to reduce the spread of infection. Just look at what has happened with the hand sanitizer market. We’re excited about the expansion of PurThread’s current product offerings and the promise of PurThread's research into future applications.”

In the PurThread award-winning process, each fiber is embedded with a proprietary antimicrobial agent, providing an even distribution of the active ingredient. The company’s unique manufacturing processes ensure that the antimicrobial agent is non-leaching and retains its efficacy through repeated launderings. Textiles made of PurThread fibers have been clinically-proven to continuously reduce the level of bioburden on soft surfaces.

Soft and pliable, the company’s cutting-edge textiles are also available in the anti-odor sportswear brand PurThread Sport. Additionally, PurThread partners with leading consumer companies for end uses where its technology adds value, such as in military, industrial and home applications.

“We’re extremely grateful to have received this huge vote of confidence,” said Lisa Grimes, PurThread President and CEO. “We want to respond to growing consumer demands for PurThread odor-fighting products. The first thing customers notice and love is the fact that our shirts don’t stink!  As a Mom, I can appreciate this. In the longer term, our goal is to decrease the spread of infection by reducing the amount of bioburden across all patient environments. This investment provides great support in helping us accomplish both of these goals.”

About PurThread

PurThread Technologies, Inc. is dedicated to developing continuously active soft surfaces that show a measurable difference in reducing bioburden in clinical environments. PurThread products range from healthcare textiles, such as privacy curtains, lab coats, scrubs, blankets, and sheets, to an array of freshness products for other markets, such as the military and performance athletic wear.

PurThread products incorporate an EPA-registered antimicrobial that protects the fabric from the effects of microbial contamination and reduces odor-causing bacteria, mold, mildew and fungus.