Mr. Brian Pedlar reports

BREAKTHROUGH SOLUTION FOR FRAGILE SKIN: COVALON'S IV CLEAR(TM) DRESSING RECOMMENDED BY PHYSICIANS AT A TOP 10 U.S. CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL AND EPIDERMOLYSIS BULLOSA CENTER OF EXCELLENCE

Covalon Technologies Ltd.'s IV Clear line of dual anti-microbial silicone dressings has been recommended by physicians at a top 10 U.S. children's hospital in Colorado, which is also an EB (epidermolysis bullosa) centre of excellence, as a novel solution to effectively secure and protect vascular access insertion sites on patients with fragile skin, including those with EB.

EB, sometimes known as butterfly skin, is a little-known skin disorder with a prevalence of one in 20,000 births. There is no cure to the debilitating connective tissue disorder that causes extremely fragile skin prone to blisters and tears from minor friction. EB patients often require surgical procedures, and securement of intravenous (IV) catheters and peripheral nerve catheters on EB patients present major challenges to anesthesiologists.

In a statement, Kim Strupp, MD, FAAP, and Norah Janosy, MD, said: "As pediatric anesthesiology physicians who care for patients with epidermolysis bullosa (EB) routinely when they need surgical interventions or procedural care, IV Clear has been transformative in our practice. We are now able to place this transparent, occlusive dressing over intravenous, central and nerve block catheters without damaging our EB patients' fragile skin. Having a clear, transparent, occlusive dressing decreases the risk of infection, increases the visibility of the catheter, and has improved our care and patient and family satisfaction."

The recommendation follows research completed by physicians at Children's Hospital of Colorado (CHCO), where they observed how the use of IV Clear in EB patients improved the safety of indwelling catheter placement and securement without causing injury. The findings were presented by Drs. Mancone, Strupp, Janosy and Brooks Peterson at the International Anesthesia Research Society meeting in Denver, Colo., on April 14, 2023. To date, IV Clear dressings have been used on approximately 20 EB patients at CHCO without incidence of skin damage or other adverse events. One patient who spent several months in the hospital underwent several consecutive dressing applications without incident.

"At Covalon, our mission has been driven by compassion and a commitment to improving patient care," said Ron Hebert, senior vice-president, marketing, of Covalon. "Healing should never be hindered by setbacks, trauma or tears caused by dressings. IV Clear is designed to ensure that every step of a patient's journey is one of comfort and compassion."

Traditional securement dressings made with acrylic cause substantial injury upon removal. Covalon's IV Clear contains atraumatic silicone adhesive and its gentle, dual anti-microbial properties make it ideal for use on patients at risk of skin injury.

Covalon's vascular access infection prevention solutions also help to prevent central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) as part of an effective CLABSI prevention bundle, while ensuring patient comfort and include:

• CovaClear IV -- utilizes soft silicone adhesive technology to help protect patients from skin injuries, but does not incorporate anti-microbials, for use with patients who either do not require, or cannot tolerate, anti-microbials.
• IV Clear -- the world's only dual anti-microbial vascular access dressing that offers complete transparency at and around the insertion site for easy daily assessment. It also utilizes soft silicone adhesive technology to minimize skin injuries and preserve skin barrier functions, and incorporates safe amounts of anti-microbials, without sacrificing efficacy, to protect against chemical irritation.
• VALGuard -- a Food and Drug Administration-listed, transparent, environmental barrier designed to protect catheter hubs and line connections from external contaminants and gross contamination, including body fluids and other secretions. It incorporates a quick-release pull strip for fast access to infusion hubs and for easy removal.

About Covalon Technologies Ltd.

Covalon Technologies is a patient-driven medical device company, built on the relentless pursuit to help the most vulnerable patients have a better chance at healing. Through a strong portfolio of patented technologies and solutions for advanced wound care, infection prevention and medical device coatings, the company offers innovative, gentler and more compassionate options for patients to heal with less infections, less pain and better outcomes. Its solutions are designed for patients and made for care providers. Covalon leverages its patented medical technology platforms and expertise in two ways: (i) by developing products that are sold under Covalon's name; and (ii) by developing and commercializing medical products for other medical companies under development and licence contracts. The company is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange, having the symbol COV, and trades on the OTCQX Market under the symbol CVALF.

We seek Safe Harbor.