Item 1. Business
Item 1. BUSINESS
Overview
TOMI Environmental Solutions, Inc. (“TOMI,” “we,” “our,” or the “Company”) is a global leader in bacteria decontamination and infectious disease control, offering environmentally friendly solutions for indoor air and surface disinfection and decontamination. Our flagship product, SteraMist, uses our patented and registered Binary Ionization Technology (“BIT”) to deliver a low-percentage (7.8%) hydrogen peroxide-based fog or mist to affect all indoor environments and surface areas.
Developed under a grant from the United States Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (“DARPA”), SteraMist generates ionized Hydrogen Peroxide (“iHP”) using cold plasma science. BIT transforms a sole active ingredient hydrogen peroxide solution into iHP through a high voltage atmospheric cold plasma arc, producing submicron to 3-micron hydroxyl radical particles that effectively treat surfaces and environments with the same velocity and characteristics of a gas. Our innovative and novel process ensures eradication of pathogens with a 6-log (99.9999%) and greater kill rate, effectively leaving no harmful by-products lingering in the treated area. SteraMist’s innovative methodology, inspired from atmospheric chemistry, not only guarantees effectiveness but also maintains a commitment to environmental sustainability by ensuring the only by-product from the process is oxygen and humidity, a complete package of benefits unmatched in its industry.
We owe our success to the collaborative efforts of Titan Defense and DARPA who uncovered a superior technology that mimics nature’s cleansing mechanism, bringing this natural phenomenon indoors providing a competitive edge that exceeds the capabilities of our competition in the healthcare disinfection, life sciences decontamination, and food safety sanitization markets.
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The Science Behind the Technology
Introducing a revolutionary approach to disinfection and decontamination, our technology offers a streamlined and effective solution. By harnessing the power of atmospheric chemistry, our process converts 7.8% hydrogen peroxide into a plasma-generated hydroxyl radical, achieving a 6-log and greater kill of pathogens leaving only oxygen and humidity as by-products. It’s a simple yet effective solution that sets a new standard for global cleaning disinfection decontamination practices.
BIT technology was initially developed in response to weaponized anthrax spore attacks, and detailed testing performed by DARPA demonstrated the success of the technology in neutralizing chemical warfare agents. BIT, a TOMI patented process aerosolizes and activates a low concentration hydrogen peroxide solution, producing a fine aqueous mist (0.3-3 um in diameter) that contains a high concentration of hydroxyl radicals (“.OH”). The .OH damages pathogenic and resistant organisms (such as bacteria, bacteria spores, viruses, mold spores, other fungi, and yeast) via oxidation of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids and rendering the building blocks of nature’s amino acids, DNA and RNA inactive – leading to complete cellular disruption.
The unique alteration of the chemistry occurs only once BIT solution passes through the atmospheric cold plasma arc, which causes the breaking of the double bond of a hydrogen peroxide molecule and results in an .OH hydroxyl radical known as iHP. This patented process allows these hydroxyl radicals to exist in high concentrations without rapidly recombining and losing reactivity, while seeking all surfaces within the proximity of the resulting mist or fog.
TOMI has and continues to adapt this innovative technology into an everyday solution for use by multiple industries. Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (“FIFRA”), we are mandated to register our disinfectants with the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and specific state regulatory bodies. SteraMist BIT was EPA-registered (#90150-2) in June 2015 as a hospital-healthcare and broad-spectrum surface disinfectant for misting/fogging applications. We achieved a cutting-edge claim on the EPA label and was coined as the first equipment + solution combination hospital-healthcare disinfectant on the market and maintain the claim as the only EPA Registered Solution + Equipment combination that provides the unique technology of hydrogen peroxide ionization.
Today our EPA registered BIT solution is manufactured at an EPA-registered solution blender and our product performance is supported by Good Laboratory Practice (“GLP”) efficacy data which includes mold control and air/surface remediation with claims to combat Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, MRSA, Salmonella, H1N1, Clostridium difficile spores, and Norovirus. In March 2020, our EPA label was updated to include claims against Emerging Viral Pathogens, meeting criteria for both Enveloped and Large Non-enveloped viruses. In 2021, SteraMist BIT 0.35% hydrogen peroxide received its EPA registration (#90150-3), and on June 2, 2022, SteraMist was added to its seventh EPA’s List, List Q for combating rare or novel viruses like Monkeypox virus and SARS-CoV-2 variants causing COVID-19.
TOMI continuous to build its portfolio of feasibility studies with renowned and trusted partners. In 2023, the U.S. Department of Defense’s BSAT Biorisk Program Office and the Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate’s Plum Island Animal Disease Center published a report demonstrating that iHP is an effective tool for decontamination of biological toxoids and dangerous pathogens that may disrupt our world. We maintain registrations in all 50 states, Washington D.C., Canada, and approximately 40 other countries. These endorsements signify our commitment to safeguarding our world against any potential threats.
Our Customers
We empower our customers to create a healthier and safer world by offering innovative products and services spanning life sciences, healthcare, food safety, and everyday visited facilities. Our comprehensive solutions encompass a range of capital equipment and services, from mobile sprayers and foggers to fully automated installed systems, alongside routine and emergency deployment, qualification, and validation procedures. We also operate across diverse sectors such as Life Sciences, Hospital-Healthcare, Food Safety, and everyday buildings visited by people, and provide the option for routine and emergency treatment through our service provider membership, the TOMI Service Network (“TSN”).
Our revenue is derived from a variety of industry groups. The life-science industry’s growth trajectory is fueled by various factors including global demographic trends, technological advancements, regulatory requirements, and economic influences. In hospital-healthcare, the rising concern over hospital-acquired infections, coupled with increasing demand for medical procedures and efficiency improvements, drives a demand for our products and services. Food safety regulations mandate strict sanitation practices in food handling and processing facilities to ensure the production of safe and hygienic food products. Sanitation plays a critical role in preventing contamination and the spread of foodborne illnesses. Regulations typically outline requirements for cleaning and disinfecting food contact surfaces, equipment, utensils, and facilities to remove dirt, debris, and harmful microorganisms.
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It is imperative to emphasize the importance of a proactive approach, particularly in disinfection and decontamination. Investing in advanced technology should not solely be reactive to crises but should be seen as an integral part of a robust risk management strategy for any business. At TOMI, we are dedicated to modernizing operational efficiencies across diverse industries, including life sciences, hospital-healthcare, food safety, hospitality, and emergency service sectors.
By integrating SteraMist iHP technology into facilities now, we not only mitigate existing risks but also strengthen defenses against future challenges the world may face. Establishing a culture of safety and hygiene through routine cleaning disinfection protocols employers instill confidence among their patients, researchers, employees, students, emergency responders - showcasing a commitment to the well-being of everyone. Our system and support team stand ready to provide a solution that ensures a consistently safe and sterile environment, bolstering day-to-day safety maintenance and preventing the escalation of potential health hazards.
Validated and proven effective, SteraMist is being used throughout the world and has been demonstrated to reduce certain resistant problem organisms, such as bacterial spores, Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (“VRE”), Clostridium difficile, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (“MERS”), Ebola (“Ebola”) and SARS CoV-2 the virus that causes COVID-19.
We now provide a wide array of products and services customized to meet the unique operational needs of our global clientele, providing a customizable approach to our customers and elevating their overall performance.
In 2023, TOMI expanded its network of international distributors and partnered for the first time with distributors domestically. Our distribution network spans across the Life Sciences, Hospital-Healthcare, Food Safety, and Commercial industries. This effort along with maintaining our key current Independent Manufacturing Representatives is aimed to enhance revenue and increase brand awareness. Moving forward, we anticipate substantial benefits from these distributor groups, paving the way for growth and success in the years ahead.
We tackle critical global challenges, delivering real results that reflect our dedication to making a positive impact on employees, customers, investors, and the communities we serve. In an industry full of archaic methods and publicized technology, gaining acceptance from all stakeholders is a lengthy process. Today, our impressive roster of clients includes Tower Health, Novant Health, Pfizer, Merck, Fresenius Kabi, DKI, First Onsite, Fleet, Nestle Purina, Simplot, Perdue, and various government agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (“NIH”) and United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”). The Company is equipped for when these esteemed organizations prioritize expanding their use of SteraMist iHP. As an example, the Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate budget overview for FY 2025 has budgeted for 16 of TOMI’s Environment units for the decommissioning of Plum Island’s labs. Not only does this signify significant growth for our Company, but it aligns with our corporate mission: Innovating for a Safer World.
Industries & Market Segments
SteraMist products are designed to address a wide spectrum of industries using iHP. Our operations consist of five main divisions based on our current target industries: Life Sciences, Hospital-HealthCare, TSN, Food Safety, and Commercial. Launched in sequential order as listed to either strategically address the needs and/or ensure compliance with the specific regulations governing each industry segment.
Life Sciences
SteraMist iHP is designed to be tailored to provide a complete solution to address the regulatory inspections of disinfecting/decontaminating and Installation Qualification (IQ)-Operational Qualification (OQ)–Performance Qualification (PQ) validation processes within the life sciences industry.
The life sciences sector demands rigorous decontamination procedures to ensure the integrity and safety of pharmaceutical products, medical devices, and research environments. With the evolving landscape of the pharmaceutical market, there is an increasing demand for fully automated decontamination products that offer quick turnaround times to minimize downtime and expedite production cycles.
The life sciences industry was among the first to embrace the Company’s innovative decontamination solutions, recognizing the limitations of traditional methods and effects on progress. Our current portfolio of life science customers, including Fortune 100 companies has been able to overcome the constraints imposed by outdated practices, paving the way for enhanced efficiency, safety, and productivity in their operations. Their early adoption of our SteraMist iHP lays a solid foundation for our future expansion. By demonstrating the effectiveness and value in a highly regulated and demanding sector, we establish credibility and trust that can facilitate broader adoption across other facilities, companies, and even industries.
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The insights gained from working closely with life sciences companies also inform our product development and service offerings, enabling us to better meet the evolving needs of markets. In today’s pharmaceutical market, characterized by rapid innovation, stringent regulatory requirements, and global competition—efficiency and speed are paramount. Pharmaceutical companies, including Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (“CDMO”), are under pressure to streamline their operations while maintaining high standards of quality and compliance.
According to industry statistics, the global pharmaceutical market is projected to grow steadily, with emerging markets playing an increasingly significant role in driving growth. As their operations expand globally, there is a growing need for decontamination solutions that can deliver consistent fast results across the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of manufacturing and production facilities and research laboratories.
By offering fully automated products and services tailored to the unique requirements of pharmaceutical manufacturers and CDMOs, TOMI aims to support their efforts in maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency on a global scale.
Hospital-Healthcare
TOMI focuses on the Hospital-Healthcare Market by providing high quality of safety to patients and personnel by disinfecting operating rooms, pharmacies, ambulances, and emergency environments throughout a healthcare facility.
Healthcare facilities worldwide should prioritize disinfection to mitigate the risk of healthcare-associated infections (“HAI”), enhance patient safety, and maintain a sterile environment conducive to healing. According to the World Health Organization, HAIs affect millions of patients globally each year, leading to prolonged hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and deaths.
In 2024, it’s estimated that approximately 7-10% of patients admitted to healthcare facilities worldwide will acquire at least one HAI during their stay. This translates to millions of cases annually, with significant economic burdens and human costs. Furthermore, the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens poses a growing threat, exacerbating the challenge of infection control in healthcare settings.
Effective disinfection measures, including the use of advanced technologies like SteraMist, are essential for reducing the incidence of HAIs and safeguarding patient health. By implementing rigorous disinfection protocols, healthcare facilities can significantly reduce the risk of infections, improve patient outcomes, and promote public health, but may also reduce healthcare costs and enhances the overall quality of care provided.
TOMI will intensify its efforts to penetrate the healthcare market by forging strategic partnerships and advocating for the adoption of advanced disinfection technologies. By collaborating with key stakeholders, including healthcare providers, facility managers, group purchasing organizations (“GPO”) like Vizient and regulatory bodies, we can promote the integration of SteraMist as a complementary solution to manual cleaning practices. Emphasizing the efficiency, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness of SteraMist in eliminating pathogens and reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections will be essential in gaining traction in the market. Additionally, investing in targeted marketing campaigns and educational initiatives to raise awareness about the benefits of automated disinfection processes can help overcome resistance to change and accelerate market penetration.
TOMI Service Network (“TSN”)
TSN is an expansive network consisting of professionals who are exclusively licensed and trained to use the SteraMist products. With the purchase of SteraMist and joining TSN, TOMI trains and services a wide array of professional remediation companies in the use of SteraMist throughout the TSN division. TSN allows for increased accessibility and brand awareness of iHP services to facilities in need of local routine and emergency disinfection and decontamination.
The TSN addressed many cleaning protocols that changed permanently due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and our network plays a significant role in facilitating and maintaining these protocols. COVID-19 highlighted the limitations of reactive approaches to cleanliness and hygiene. Recognizing this, TOMI is now championing a proactive approach to disinfection. While the pandemic may have initially spurred reactive measures, we are advocating for a shift towards proactive, ongoing disinfection protocols.
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Through consistent and persistent efforts, we are slowly but steadily changing minds across all industries that individuals interact with in their daily lives. By emphasizing the importance of maintaining clean and safe environments as a preemptive measure providing long-term benefits of proactive disinfection in ensuring the health and well-being of their employees, customers, and communities, rather than merely reacting to immediate threats, we are promoting a culture of preventive healthcare via our TSN.
Food Safety
Every day there are news articles around the world pertaining to the contamination of food supply. Unsafe food containing harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, or chemical substances causes more than 200 diseases. It also creates a vicious cycle of disease and malnutrition, particularly affecting infants, young children, elderly and the sick. With the global population explosion, severe worldwide avian flu pandemics resulting in the unnecessary culling of bird flocks, unusually high number of accidents resulting in the destruction of dozens of storages, packing and processing food plants, in the U.S. alone, we anticipate an increase in the demand for a mechanical way to sanitize the food supply. TOMI, in cooperation with the USDA, demonstrated that our technology offers a consistent, quick, and effective solution.
Sanitation procedures must be implemented regularly and effectively to maintain cleanliness and prevent cross-contamination throughout the food processing chain. This includes proper cleaning and sanitizing of food preparation areas, storage facilities, transportation vehicles, and equipment used in food production. New challenges to food safety will continue to emerge, largely due to changes in the environment, new and emergent bacteria, toxins, and antimicrobial resistance. Food Safety presents an opportunity for significant growth for TOMI with continued product research and compliance testing.
Compliance with food safety regulations is essential for food businesses to protect public health, uphold consumer trust, and meet legal requirements. Regulatory agencies such as the United States Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) and the European Food Safety Authority, as well as the Canadian Safe Food for Canadians Act and Safe Food, establish and enforce sanitation standards to ensure the safety and quality of the food supply. Failure to comply with sanitation regulations can result in fines, product recalls, legal actions, and damage to the reputation of food businesses. Therefore, adherence to sanitation practices is paramount in the food industry to mitigate risks and maintain food safety standards.
In 2023, we made significant strides in boosting brand awareness within the food safety industry through targeted promotion and marketing initiatives. Leveraging a similar strategy to what proved successful in the Life Sciences sector; we focused on building a customer base through referrals and feasibility studies, gradually expanding our reach. By fostering relationships with key supporters of our technology and remaining patient in our approach, we have finally laid a foundation. In 2024, we expect to continue to expand and grow our presence in this critical market segment.
Commercial
In line with adopting a proactive approach through our TOMI Service Network, it’s imperative for the entire commercial world to follow suit. Proactive disinfection practices not only ensure the health and safety of employees, customers, and visitors but also safeguard business continuity and reputation. Our Commercial division includes, but is not limited to, use sites such as aviation, airports, police and fire, prisons, manufacturing companies, automobile, gymnasiums, cruise ships, shipping ports, preschool education, primary and secondary schools, colleges including dormitories, all modes of public and private transportation, regulatory consulting agencies, retail, housing and recreation, and of course emergency preparedness for counties and cities use of SteraMist throughout such communities.
SteraMist disinfection helps prevent the spread of harmful pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, reducing the risk of illnesses and infections among individuals. This is particularly crucial in shared spaces such as offices, retail stores, and restaurants where people gather regularly. A healthy and safe work environment promotes employee well-being and productivity. By reducing absenteeism due to illness and creating a comfortable workspace, disinfection measures contribute to a more efficient and effective workforce. For businesses in the service industry, such as hotels, restaurants, and retail stores, providing a clean and hygienic environment is essential for delivering a positive customer experience. Cleanliness influences customer perceptions and can impact loyalty and repeat business. Disinfection helps mitigate the risk of liability claims associated with poor health and safety practices. Implementing proactive disinfection measures can minimize the potential for legal and financial repercussions resulting from health-related incidents.
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TOMI, in conjunction with its partners, collaborators, and industry associations, is proactively educating the community on the importance of preventive disinfection through verbal explanation and visual demonstrations of the impact of maintaining a clean environment. We engage in targeted social media campaigns, offer training programs and workshops on best practices, and share case studies of real-life examples highlighting the long-term benefits in promoting health and safety for a successful business.
By further implementing these strategies and our reach, we can effectively convey the importance of proactive disinfection and inspire action among businesses and individuals to prioritize cleanliness and hygiene in commercial settings.
The Company is committed to further expanding its marketing, advertising, and educational campaigns aimed at its customer base and driving adoption of our SteraMist iHP product line across all our industries: Life Sciences, Hospital-Healthcare, TOMI Service Network, Food Safety, and Commercial. We will continue to innovate and develop tailored products to meet the specific needs of each, ensuring seamless implementation and optimal performance. Our dedicated team of technicians and representatives will continue to provide comprehensive training, maintenance, and servicing of capital equipment worldwide, supporting customers in maximizing the benefits of our patented technology. Additionally, TOMI will continue to offer protocol development and implementation services for SteraMist iHP, recognizing its critical role in various settings, particularly in pandemic preparedness scenarios.
Competition
The environmental infectious disease control industry or disinfection, decontamination, and sanitization arena is intensely competitive and highly regulated. Competition is intense in all five of our divisions and includes many large and small competitors.
SteraMist iHP Provides a 99.9999% or six-log kill and above kill (i.e., the statistical destruction of all microorganisms and their spores) on all challenged pathogens, on multiple surfaces including Bacillus atrophaeus spores, Bacillus subtilis spores and Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores naked or dressed the last spore is considered a gold standard for validation of sterilization versus household/industrial cleaners that offer a 99.9% (sanitizing) or three-log kill to 99.99% (disinfection) or four-log kill. Thus, our SteraMist iHP surpasses many of the subpar products hastily launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike the reactive solutions, SteraMist iHP offers comprehensive protection against a wide range of pathogens, ensuring thorough and effective disinfection, decontamination, and sanitization in any environment.
SteraMist iHP offers a single consistent, repeatedly validated solution with various application choices. Per the EPA (see, EPA Reg. No. 90150-1), our technology has many competitive advantages including, but not limited to, the following:
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Easy to use and easily incorporated into (current) cleaning procedures;
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Fully validated to comply with Good Manufacturing Practice (“GMP”) Standards;
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Product performance is supported by Good Laboratory Practice (“GLP”) efficacy data;
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Ready-to-use (formula), (no mixing required);
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Go (Goes) above, beyond, under and around disinfecting sprays and wipes;
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Frequent (daily) use formula;
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Mobile (portable) for rapid deployment throughout a facility;
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Low operating and maintenance costs;
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No Wipe, No Rinse;
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Does not include silver ions or peracetic acid;
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Does not contain particulate (heavy metals) (minerals) (dyes) (fragrances);
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Leaves no residues (no wiping necessary);
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Eliminates (Removes) odor causing bacteria;
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Does not require adjustment to (modification of) (specific) room temperature or humidity before use (application);
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Does not contaminate the environment with any toxic by-products;
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Leaves environment with only oxygen and water (humidity).
In 2021, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic saw the emergence of new competitors in the commercial industry offering electrostatic sprayers and biostatic protectants. However, unlike these fleeting trends, our commitment to long-term effectiveness with unparalleled efficacy, establishes our superiority in the market.
Our comparable competitors include companies that market other hydrogen peroxide-based products, such as Steris Corporation (“Steris”), Bioquell, Inc. (“Bioquell”) currently owned by Ecolab, Inc. (“Ecolab”), and The Clorox Company (“Clorox”), miscellaneous hydrogen peroxide products various ultraviolet companies and hundreds of quad ammonia-chemical companies. Some of these competitors may have longer operating histories, greater name recognition, larger installed customer bases and substantially greater financial and marketing resources than us.
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Ultimately, against all competitors and their products, TOMI SteraMist prevails when the following is prioritized by a facility and user:
Speed: SteraMist offers rapid turnaround times providing a near kill on contact to pathogens, resulting in faster re-entry and use to the treated area.
Comprehensive Coverage: SteraMist reaches every nook and cranny, ensuring thorough disinfection of all areas.
No Preconditions: SteraMist does not require preconditioning of the space before treatment, streamlining the entire process.
Equipment Safety: Our gentle process ensures sensitive electronics and equipment are safeguarded against corrosion.
Personnel Safety: SteraMist provides a safe environment for personnel, as it does not involve harsh chemicals or processes and per the EPA label requires minimal PPE for the user.
SteraMist iHP emerges as the superior choice when the facility and its users not only require a sterile environment but also must prioritize efficiency, thoroughness, and safety in their disinfection, decontamination, and sanitization requirements.
Finally, our exceptional support team further solidifies TOMI SteraMist’s competitive edge. With a dedicated and knowledgeable support team, we ensure that our customers receive unparalleled assistance and guidance. Our commitment to providing outstanding customer service enhances user satisfaction and strengthens loyalty to our brand. In the end, our supportive and attentive approach fosters trust and admiration among our customers.
SteraMist iHP Product and Services
The versatility of SteraMist iHP technology is evidenced by its diverse range of products, accommodating to both mobile and permanent integration needs. Handheld devices offer convenient application, with a quick full coverage spray of 5 seconds per square foot. Meanwhile, our environment fogging devices are automated, scalable, and programmed for repeatable use. Three SteraMist applicators achieve a thorough full room disinfection decontamination of a sealed space up to 103.8 m3 (3,663 ft3) in just under 45 minutes (application and dwell time). Individually, each remote applicator can be used to treat a space of approximately 34.6 m3 (1,221 ft3). Injection times are based on individual room size and number of applicators. This adaptability ensures effective and efficient disinfection solutions for various environments and applications.
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SteraPak
The all-in-one SteraPak places the SteraMist iHP technology onto the technicians back, delivering premium disinfection utilizing a rechargeable battery and cordless operation. Our most affordable product line to date is comfortable to use, easy to operate, and has AC and DC power functionality ensuring compatibility in all countries. The SteraPak is sold with a case of BIT Solution of eight 32-ounce bottles.
SteraMist Surface Unit
The SteraMist Surface Unit, the original all enclosed fully portable TOMI product is a handheld, point and spray disinfection decontamination unit intended to provide quick turnover of any affected space. The Surface Unit is sold with a case of BIT Solution of four-gallon bottles.
SteraMist Environment System
The SteraMist Environment System (“ENV”) is a transportable, remotely controlled system that provides complete room disinfection decontamination. Multiple systems can be used simultaneously to accommodate larger or multiple spaces with fast application and minimal down time. The system allows for both manual (point and spray) and/or fogging modes. Additional features include downloadable and printable cycle data in PDF format (lot # of BIT Solution, location identifier, injection/dwell/aeration times, and error notifications) and audit reporting. These features are required for many Life Science facilities. The ENV is sold with a case of BIT Solution of four-gallon bottles.
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The SteraMist Total Disinfection Cart
The Total Disinfection Cart was designed with input of public healthcare facilities EVS (Environmental Service) teams. The cart houses our Surface Unit, a portable H 2 O 2 monitor, Carbon Air Scrubber, Respiratory Protection System with positive pressure air flow, storage hooks, and a sign notifying the room is being treated. Included with the Cart is a custom ICU 55-minute terminal cleaning protocol. The Surface Unit is sold with a case of BIT Solution of four-gallon bottles.
SteraMist Transport
The SteraMist Transport unit, an all-in-one dual voltage fogging product designed to treat a wide variety of vehicle sizes with an application time of only 20 minutes per 1,000 cubic feet. Additional features include remote start and cycle notification lights. The initial batch of this innovative product is currently in a soft launch phase and has been sold to long-term partners working with their customers for live practical assessment. The Transport is sold with a case of BIT Solution of eight 32-ounce bottles.
NV+
Our new NV+ cutting-edge solution tailored to meet the needs of smaller areas and budgets, while maintaining key advantages of SteraMist iHP fogging application. Encased in a stainless-steel cart, the NV+, like its counterpart ENV features precise dosage based on space volume, remote activation, audit reporting, and cleanroom compliance standards including GMP, cGMP, and GLP. Different than the ENV, the NV+ boasts LED notification cycle alerts and operates with a telescopic rotating applicator, delivering a 36-minute injection time for spaces up to 1,800 cubic feet. Currently the NV+ is available for purchase, with its debut set for April 2024 at InterPhex, the Company’s premier tradeshow. Designed for efficiency and effectiveness, the NV+ offers a cost-effective solution for comprehensive fogging disinfection and decontamination in smaller spaces. The NV+ is sold with a case of BIT Solution of four-gallon bottles or a case of two 10-liter bottles.
SteraMist Custom Engineered System
The SteraMist Customer Engineered System (“CES”) permanent installation is perfect for any room that requires routine automated decontamination. The CES is an automated system that is installed and plumbed utilizing the facilities’ existing HVAC system. This involves permanently installing SteraMist applicators within the designated space to achieve maximum results and connecting the applicators to an enclosure in a central remote location within a facility. The entire system can be developed for multiple rooms and various specifications. The status of the decontamination cycle is monitored with indicators and can be integrated into a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (“SCADA”) monitoring board. The system is now available with a scale to measure the use of BIT Solution for a customer’s ease of reordering our consumable and comes in a variety of drum sizes.
Our long-term focus remains on ongoing projects and validations, which often lead to proposals and interest in our CES permanent decontamination room. These projects involve longer lead times, as they are custom designed, procured, assembled, and installed upon order, a process that can take months to complete. The utilization of BIT Solution typically occurs after the system has been commissioned, site accepted, validated, and performance qualified, which aligns with the customer’s readiness for production. However, this can sometimes result in delays in seeing an increase in BIT Solution usage, as it depends heavily on the customer’s production and manufacturing timelines, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry.
Despite these challenges, we anticipate that installations of our CES permanent decontamination rooms will have a positive material impact on our results in the upcoming year(s). As these projects progress and come to fruition, we expect to see increased utilization of our BIT Solution, contributing to our overall growth and success.
The CES eliminates issues such as human error, guarantees accuracy that is unmatched by competitors, and decreases a client’s labor cost and downtime. Since its launch, SteraMist’s CES has emerged as a leading solution meeting the increasing demands of customers. In 2023, we focused on expanding our network of contacts and partners to facilitate the adoption of SteraMist iHP CES and other products in the life sciences and other industries. We invested significant time engaging with construction companies, engineers, and design firms involved in facility construction to pave the way for the global expansion of our system(s). As these relationships continue to grow, we are confident that the groundwork laid in 2023 will soon yield tangible results, driving further adoption and utilization of SteraMist solutions worldwide.
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SteraMist Hybrid
The SteraMist Hybrid, a combination of innovation, seamlessly integrating our CES’s elegant permanently installed stainless-steel applicators with the generator of the ENV. The generator is strategically positioned in a centralized location of the facility through a docking station or hub. Central to its operation is the Hybrid connection hub, linking the applicators to the ENV and powering the automation of SteraMist iHP decontamination.
Compliant with cGMP, GMP, and ISO standards, the Hybrid is designed with specific self-programming capabilities. It supports four outputs and one analog input, tailored to receive signals from a H 2 O 2 sensor. Key outputs would include, shutdown air supply and exhaust, door positions or the disabling of or locking of doors, cycle status lights, fire alarm disabled, among others.
The SteraMist Hybrid offers a cutting-edge solution for customers seeking precise fogging control, permanent applicator placement for accelerated decontamination, and building communication capabilities—all within budgetary or time constraints that may not align with the CES option. This innovative system provides a cost-effective alternative while ensuring compliance with industry standards.
SteraMist Integrated System
The SteraMist Integrated System (“SIS”) lineup marks a significant advancement, following the SteraMist Select and SteraMist Plasma decontamination chamber products. We’ve consolidated the capabilities of these predecessors into three new offerings, providing versatile options to meet the diverse needs of our customers, both in terms of product functionality and accessibility.
The SIS-Stand Alone or SIS-SA, replacing the SteraMist Select, and the SIS-Pharm are now available for integrated enclosure decontamination. The SIS-SA will be stocked in inventory and showcased alongside our NV+ at InterPhex in April 2024. Conversely, the SIS-Pharm is made-to-order, delivering tailored solutions for specific customer requirements in enclosure decontamination, like our CES. Both offerings are crafted to streamline products while catering to individual customer needs.
Furthermore, we’re collaborating with manufacturers of enclosure decontamination products to develop the SIS-MFG, formerly known as the Plasma decontamination chamber. Our custom generator enclosure is shipped unassembled for integration by Original Equipment Manufacturer or OEMs, providing the flexibility to mount and fully integrate iHP control panel components and applicators into OEM enclosure. This design ensures that the generator remains out of sight while providing customers an easier method of purchasing iHP as their decontamination solution in a turnkey product.
With our comprehensive lineup of SIS products, we’re committed to providing cutting-edge decontamination solutions tailored to the specific needs and preferences of our customers.
Stainless Steel 90 Degree Applicator
TOMI’s standard applicator sold with our original systems is redesigned and manufactured to a 90-degree 316 stainless steel applicator; the ideal applicator to accompany all the SIS product lines. This applicator is purchased with a flange for ease of installation either permanently or semi-permanently.
iHP Corporate Service Decontamination
TOMI offers full room, equipment, facility, and emergency disinfection and decontamination services by certified SteraMist technicians. Our goal is to give our customers a fully tailored service that provides quality control by reducing bioburden and eliminate the potential for costly microbial contamination in the Life Sciences and Food Safety industries. Single and routine services are provided to TOMI customers to coincide with maintenance, mandatory facility shutdowns, or to control a specific threat. SteraMist technicians provide an efficient 4-step facility disinfection decontamination: site review, protocol generation, deployment and service, and post-treatment reporting.
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TOMI’s iHP service department continues to grow with new and existing customers in several divisions. In the life science sector, TOMI’s iHP service department has kept its relationships with large pharmaceuticals, such as Pfizer and ThermoFisher, as well as adding several smaller life science companies, like ForDoz, Scripps, and Lonza, to a regular decontamination schedule. The food safety department steadily gains traction as several plant/produce companies have expressed interest as new and emerging bacteria, toxins, and fungi hamper production.
TOMI’s iHP Service stands out as a source of revenue that consistently demonstrates either stability or growth.
Installation Qualification, Operational Qualification, and Performance Qualification
TOMI offers Installation Qualification, Operation Qualification, and Performance Qualification (together “IOQ/PQ”) services to ensure the proper functioning and validation of our decontamination systems. IOQ/PQ involves verifying that the system is installed correctly and operates as intended, meeting predetermined specifications and regulatory requirements. This service is at times requested for our mobile products, but certainly is in demand with the SIS and CES products. Notably, all CES installations worldwide have undergone rigorous qualification processes to validate their performance. Initially, systems were provided by outsourced consultants with the assistances of certified TOMI personnel, but now TOMI offers an all-inclusive package directly, providing an additional source of revenue. In the latter half of 2024, we plan to expand this department, offering IOQ/PQ services to both current and prospective customers, further solidifying our commitment to delivering comprehensive solutions and exceptional service.
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INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO OUR BUSINESS IN GENERAL
Manufacturing
We outsource the manufacturing and blending of our SteraMist ® line of equipment and BIT ™ Solution. Our SteraMist ® equipment is manufactured by ISO9001 registered companies with multiple facilities in Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, North Carolina, California, and Australia.
Our solution is blended by an EPA approved blender; our blend includes one sole active ingredient, 7.8% Hydrogen Peroxide.
TOMI maintains ownership of all the SteraMist ® product lines, including our BIT ™ Solution. Neither our manufacturer nor chemical blender may make modifications to the manufacturing or blending of our products without our request or consent in written format. TOMI maintains all creative control throughout the design and manufacturing process, which includes research & development through final product fabrication.
Intellectual Property
Our success depends in part upon our ability to obtain and maintain proprietary protection for our products and technologies. We protect our technology and products by, among other means, obtaining United States and foreign patents. In addition, the process of obtaining and protecting patents can be long and expensive. We also rely upon trade secrets, technical know-how, and continuing technological innovation to develop and maintain our competitive position.
As part of our intellectual property protection strategy, we have registered our BIT™ solution with the EPA, all 50 states in the United States, and multiple countries worldwide. We have received or are in the process of receiving Conformité Européene (“CE”) marks in the European Economic Area (“EEA”) and are approved by Underwriters Laboratory (“UL”).
Our portfolio includes more than 25 Utility or Design Patents worldwide which expire at various dates through the year 2038 for both method and system claims on SteraMist® BIT™, as well as design of devices. We continue to pursue further claims to additional capabilities in on-going United States and worldwide patent applications. We have obtained three related United States utility patents, giving us protection of our technology until the year 2038. We have obtained utility patents for our technologies in diverse countries such as Brazil, Japan, Korea, Israel, Australia, Taiwan, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Singapore, New Zealand, and, currently pending, in the UK, and continue to pursue protections all over the world.
We have submitted utility patent applications in multiple countries, including Europe, China, Brazil, Korea and Australia for further additional applications of SteraMist BIT, and a related application has already been determined novel and inventive in Taiwan, Japan, Israel, New Zealand, Australia and Singapore. We have recently filed new patent pending applications on novel uses and enhancements of our technology in the United States. We have been awarded a design patent on our surface-mounted applicator device in the United States, China, Japan, Taiwan, and Korea. We have filed and have been granted or have pending acceptance on 32 separate design patents for our: Decontamination Chamber(s), Decontamination Applicator, Decontamination Cart, Applicator, and Surface Mounted Applicator 90-Degree Device. These patents are published around the world, including but not limited to United States, China, Hong Kong, Europe, United Kingdom, Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam, Canada, South Korea, and Japan. We are also pursuing IP protection for further applications of our SteraMist BIT in diverse fields in multiple jurisdictions, such as food decontamination and, in installed systems for the application of iHP for the protection of buildings post outbreak or after a biological attack. With worldwide attention on the etiology of SARs CoV2 coming from a lab leak, attention on the prevention and control of a leak or mishap should be on the mind of all the biological labs managers around the world. The fact that iHP and our BIT platform can be incorporated in new or existing buildings to create an “immune building” should assist in further lab applications of SteraMist in the biosecurity industry in the future. Our current patents with claims to systems already serve to provide protection for our technology in this area and our on-going pending applications will further enhance the scope of our intellectual property.
Our products are sold around the world under various brand names and trademarks. We consider our brand names and trademarks to be valuable in the marketing of our products. As of today, we have over two hundred trademarks or trademark applications, (word and/or logo) registered or pending across the globe. TOMI registers marks in eight classes of specification of goods and services: Class 1 for Chemicals for Treating Hazardous Waste, Class 5 for Disinfectants, All-Purpose for Hard Surfaces and for Treating Mold, Class 7 for Handheld Power Operated Spraying Machines, Class 11 for Sterilizers for Medical Use and Air Purification, Class 35 for Business Consultation and Management Services, Class 37 for General Disinfecting Services, Class 40 for Chemical Decontamination and Manufacturing Services, and Class 41 for Providing Education Training and information related to biological and bacterial decontamination services. Recently, we have expanded our trademark protection into India.
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Marketing and Distribution
Through our brand awareness, marketing, social media presence and sales, our business growth objective is to be the global leader in disinfection and decontamination products sales, services, and manufacturing. We intend to continue to expand and support research and development on other decontamination and remediation solutions and to form more business alliances with strategic partners.
We continue to perform decontamination services within cleanrooms, bio-safety labs including BSL-3 and BSL-4 labs, tissue and blood labs, pharmaceutical labs, vivariums and research universities and we continue to secure additional license agreements with major remediation, construction, forensic clean-up and bio-safety servicing companies. Both of these strategies assist in the brand awareness and use of our suite of products.
We sell our products domestically and internationally through our internal sales force, as well as independent sales and manufacturing representatives. Internationally, our products are sold through exclusive and non-exclusive sales representatives and distributors. During 2023, we focused on expanding our network of distributors and sale representative and business development initiatives. We brought on and onboarded 9 distributors and 11 sales representatives, which has expanded our presence domestically and on an international basis.
Research & Development
Our research and development efforts focus on improving, extending and applying our proprietary technology in the field of mechanical cleaning and decontamination. Research and development expenses for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, were approximately $492,000 and $352,000, respectively.
Government Regulation
Our business is subject to various degrees of governmental regulation in the countries in which we operate. In the United States, the EPA, the FDA and other governmental authorities regulate the development, manufacture, sale, and distribution of our products and services. Our international operations also are subject to a significant amount of government regulation, including country-specific rules and regulations and U.S. regulations applicable to our international operations. Government regulations include detailed inspection of, and controls over, research and development, product approvals and manufacturing, marketing and promotion, sampling, distribution, record-keeping, storage, and disposal practices. Our low percentage of hydrogen peroxide serves as a competitive advantage with respect to transporting our product by air. Our major hydrogen peroxide competitors have to transport their chemicals by rail, road or sea as the Department of Transportation (DOT) will not allow a product that contains greater than 8% hydrogen peroxide to be transported by air. SteraMist with 7.8% Hydrogen peroxide is not subject to stringent government regulations that usually apply to the transporting chemicals We believe that we are currently compliant in all material respects with applicable regulatory requirements. To date, every registration for our technology we have applied for has been accepted.
Employees
As of March 7, 2024, we have 26 full-time executive, operational and administrative employees working within the United States. Most of our sales are conducted by global exclusive distribution agreements or domestically by our internal sales team or independent manufacturing representatives.
Available Information
We make available free of charge on or through our corporate website, https://tomimist.com/, our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements, and all amendments to those filings as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference unless specifically stated therein.
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In addition, the SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy statements, and other information about issuers, such as TOMI, who file electronically with the SEC. The address of the website is www.sec.gov .
Text extracted from the filing as submitted to EDGAR. Formatting, tables and exhibits are simplified for reading; the original document is authoritative for anything you rely on.