Signalife, Rubbermaid to Jointly Market Heart Monitor

Signalife Inc. (Greenville, SC) and Rubbermaid Medical Solutions, a division of Rubbermaid Commercial Products LLC (Winchester, VA), have entered into an exclusive, multiyear marketing agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, both companies will jointly brand, market, and distribute Signalife's Fidelity 100 electrocardiogram ( ECG) heart monitor. The agreement may also include other products as they are developed.

Rubbermaid will be responsible for all marketing activities for Signalife, including advertising, promotions, media, trade shows, and exhibits, as well as the establishment and maintenance of a sales force. Signalife will provide sales and technical support, manufacturing and quality control, and product fulfillment. The companies plan to market the Signalife products together with Rubbermaid's mobile computing stations, which according to the joint announcement are “uniquely suitable for charting, clinical documentation, respiratory and cardiovascular therapy, and operative room use.”

Rubbermaid is widely known for its familiar household products, but is looking to make a name for itself in medical circles. According to Rubbermaid group president James J. Roberts, “As Rubbermaid continues to invest in expanding our presence in the medical arena, we have been looking for new technologies that complement our growing medical platform. We believe that Signalife has developed an innovative platform, and we are thrilled to be their partner.”

Rubbermaid Medical Solutions was launched in 2003 with the introduction of the Electronic Medication Administration Records (eMar) delivery system. According to Christina Fortner, product manager, the eMar system was developed with the extensive input of nurses, pharmacists, information technology specialists, hospital administrators, and construction designers, “to ensure that the system optimizes care when compared with more-conventional medication delivery vehicles.” The company also manufactures mobile computing stations, carts, and expansion modules for healthcare applications.

Describing Rubbermaid as “the premier choice” for a partner, Signalife chairman, CEO, and president, Pamela M. Bunes, said, “Rubbermaid's proven expertise at developing and growing world-class brands is unequalled.”

Recom Managed Systems Inc. changed its name to Signalife Inc. in 2005. The Fidelity 100 ECG heart monitor is the company's first product. It features patented biomedical signal acquisition, classification, and evaluation technology, which, according to the company, creates a unique platform that makes possible the first real-time, high-quality, 12-lead heart monitoring of patients in motion.

Rubbermaid and Signalife will make their first joint product presentation in Boston on May 20, during the annual scientific sessions of the Heart Rhythm Society (Washington, DC).

© 2006 Canon Communications LLC

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