SCHAFFHAUSEN, Switzerland - ASP International GmbH, a division of Fortive (NYSE:FTV), announced Thursday that its ULTRA GI Cycle for the STERRAD 100NX Sterilizer has received CE mark approval. The new cycle was developed in collaboration with FUJIFILM Healthcare Europe GmbH. Fortive, currently trading at $55.76, maintains a solid financial health score of "GOOD" according to InvestingPro data, with analysts projecting continued profitability this year.
The ULTRA GI Cycle introduces a validated sterilization method specifically designed for complex endoscopes, including FUJIFILM's duodenoscope models ED-840T and ED-840XT.
"This is a meaningful step forward in our mission to make duodenoscope reprocessing safer across Europe," said Chad Rohrer, President of ASP, in a press release statement. "By bringing hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization into routine practice, we're giving clinicians greater confidence."
Duodenoscopes have historically presented infection control challenges due to their complex design and contamination rates. The new sterilization approach aims to address these challenges and improve patient safety.
According to Pierre Emeric, Vice President of R&D at ASP, current owners of the STERRAD 100NX Sterilizer with ALLClear Technology can access the new cycle through an upgrade to their existing equipment.
The ULTRA GI Cycle represents part of ASP's ongoing efforts to work with medical device manufacturers to ensure compatibility between new duodenoscope models and hydrogen peroxide sterilization methods.
ASP International GmbH specializes in infection prevention solutions for healthcare facilities. The company's parent, Fortive Corporation, is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
In other recent news, Fortive Corporation reported impressive third-quarter earnings for 2025, surpassing analyst expectations. The company achieved an adjusted earnings per share of $0.68, which was higher than the projected $0.57, representing a 19.3% surprise. Additionally, Fortive's revenue reached $1.03 billion, slightly above the anticipated $1.01 billion. In another development, Fortive announced a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.06 per share, payable on December 26, 2025. The company also expanded its share repurchase program, increasing the total shares available for repurchase to 20 million. This is in addition to the $78.2 million still available under a separate program funded by the Ralliant Corporation separation. Meanwhile, Mizuho downgraded Fortive from Outperform to Underperform, citing concerns about a slow start to 2026 for more than half of Fortive's portfolio. The firm adjusted its price target to $51.00, down from $54.00, due to ongoing funding delays and uncertainty in various segments.