RICHMOND, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cupron, developer of a copper-based antimicrobial technology, has announced the development of a first-of-its-kind antifungal sock that is poised to transform foot care for persons with diabetes.
The PRO Therapy System, confirmed by the federal government to effectively kill 99.9 percent of Trichophyton mentagrophytes (Athlete’s Foot fungus) after 12 hours of contact with the sock, will be available beginning this fall.
The PRO Therapy System initially will be targeted to diabetics, given their higher risk for foot infections and related complications. Studies show that diabetics are up to five times more susceptible to fungal infections on the foot than those without diabetes. Such infections can lead to any number of severe complications of the lower extremities. Proactive prevention is the best measure for maintaining healthy feet and a balanced lifestyle.
“One of the most pressing issues for people with diabetes is proper foot care,” said Dr. David Armstrong, Director of the Southern Arizona Limb Salvage Alliance. “Every 20 seconds someone with diabetes undergoes an amputation. Preventative treatments such as seeing your podiatrist and other members of the diabetes team and wearing good quality shoes and socks literally can be limb-saving.”
The diabetic sock is based on Cupron’s most recent generation of copper-based technology, which recently received pioneering approval from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its unique antifungal Public Health Claim. The antifungal technology is embedded in the fibers of the sock, and as a result, the effectiveness of the PRO Therapy System will not diminish over time.
The revolutionary impact of Cupron’s copper-infused fibers on the diabetic foot, specifically its ability to kill Athlete’s Foot fungus, has been studied and published in leading scientific journals. In one study of 56 patients with severe Athlete’s Foot, a significant improvement of the medical symptoms in all patients was seen within nine days of wearing socks made with Cupron fibers.
The Cupron technology was employed in socks provided to the Chilean miners, who were trapped for 69 days underground in 2010 and who emerged with their feet in a remarkably healthy condition. The miners and their doctors directly credited the Cupron socks with protecting the miner’s feet. Cupron also is working with NASA to test the effectiveness of antimicrobial textiles in a simulated space environment over a 120-day period as part of NASA’s HI-SEAS program.
“Copper offers natural antimicrobial and skin enhancement benefits. Cupron’s copper technology brings these benefits to everyday products and offers a range of health benefits, particularly for those at a higher risk of infection,” said Chris Andrews, President - Americas, Cupron. “Antifungal benefits are critical to persons with diabetes, especially given how potentially severe a foot fungal infection can be to them. We are offering a simple and efficacious solution to persons with diabetes, and in fact it is as simple as wearing a sock. “
The PRO Therapy System diabetic sock will be available for purchase as early as this fall. Doctors, diabetic educators and potential distributors interested in receiving samples of the PRO Therapy System can contact Annie Valentine at “avalentine@cupron.com”. Cupron also will be showcasing the PRO Therapy System at the American Podiatric Medical Association Annual Meeting (July 21-25 in Las Vegas) and the American Association of Diabetic Educators Annual Meeting (August 7-10 in Philadelphia).
For more information about the Cupron PRO Therapy System, please visit www.PROTherapySystem.com.
About Cupron
A private company based in Richmond, Virginia and Herzylia, Israel, Cupron is the developer of proprietary technology that enhances a diverse range of products by incorporating the transformative properties of copper, an essential element of the human body. Cupron licenses its technology to channel partners that integrate the technology into different applications, particularly those that benefit from copper’s natural antimicrobial effectiveness and skin-enhancement qualities. Cupron-enhanced products – including hard surfaces, medical textiles, footwear, clothing and cosmetic applications – are helping to improve people's lives in the consumer, industrial, military and healthcare segments. Information on Cupron’s technology can be found at www.cupron.com.
