Antimicrobial CoatingIn many areas of medicine, sterility is a major consideration in preventing infection and the spreading of bacteria. In the United States, over 100,000 deaths a year are thought to be caused by improperly sterilised medical equipment and devices. With the increasing variety and prevalence of medical devices, as well as greater access to healthcare, there is a growing need for effective sterilisation techniques. The increase in drug-resistant bacteria, as well as larger numbers of elderly patients who are immunocompromised (due to an ageing global population) also compound the importance of sterile medical products and equipment.
The TechnologyWe have developed a novel, one-step crosslinking method to produce relatively inexpensive, versatile and durable non-leaching antimicrobial coatings that can be applied to all types of surfaces. Coating can be done with both antibiotic and antiseptic compounds, and multiple antimicrobial agents can be incorporated, covering a much broader spectrum of pathogens.
Target MarketThe global market for antimicrobial coating materials is currently estimated to be worth nearly US$1.5 billion, a figure expected to climb to US$2.9 billion by 2018. Our antimicrobial coating can be used in wound dressings, contact lenses, catheters and many other medical and non-medical applications.
Current Stage of DevelopmentWe have conducted in vivo coated wound dressing studies on a pig model of partial thickness burn injury with induced infection and shown that our coating can be used to deliver antimicrobial peptides without inhibiting wound healing and showed better performance as comparing to with currently available products on the market. It can also be used to deliver antimicrobial peptides for the coating of contact lenses, and pyrogallol, an antiseptic compound, for the coating of antimicrobial catheters. The establishment of the GMP manufacturing process is underway and subsequent FIM clinical trial will be carried out to show the safety and efficacy on human with partial thickness burn injury.
Category: Device, Antimicrobial coating
Intellectual Property:
The Simultaneous ExtractoR-Injector Device (SERID)Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) are the leading causes of blindness in the elderly worldwide. Currently, the standard of care for AMD and DR is to inject anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents directly into the eye, but the procedure is uncomfortable, and the long-term effects of repeated injections on systemic and ocular safety is unclear. In addition, current methods for monitoring involve obtaining a vitreous biopsy for the measurement of biomarkers, along with additional procedures, and are linked to complications such as retinal detachment and bleeding. As such, these biopsies are not routinely carried out in eyes with AMD and DR.
The TechnologyThe Simultaneous ExtractoR-Injector Device (SERID) is the world’s first simultaneous diagnostic-therapeutic platform to extract vitreous samples from the eye before injecting therapeutic agents with a single injection, using a dual needle mechanism which minimises vitreous traction. This also prevents a spike in intra ocular pressure, reducing the amount of drug that is refluxed and allowing for a more accurate drug delivery. Coupled with an analysis platform, vitreous can be analysed to tailor treatments, reduce unnecessary treatments and add cost savings to patients.
Target MarketDiabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of blindness in patients between the ages of 20 and 65 years and more than 10,000 intravitreal injections are performed at SNEC every year. Potential licensees of this technology include ocular syringe suppliers and ocular drug manufacturers. There are no direct competitors in the market that provide simultaneous biopsy and therapeutic injection capabilities.
Current Stage of DevelopmentThe prototypes have been tested ex vivo study with porcine eyes and using an in vivo rabbit model (vs standard 27G injection controls) to verify the design and validate the concept.
We have observed the intraocular pressure (IOP) measured post injection was also significantly less using SERID than conventional injections, resulting in less reflux of therapeutic/vitreous material and a lower risk of damage to ocular structures. An average of 100-150µl of vitreous was extracted on each biopsy and a similar amount (100µl) of fluid (balanced salt solution/ anti--VEGF) successfully injected.
The rabbits were monitored post-injection for adverse acute and chronic reactions. No inflammation and damage to retinal structures were observed. Results shown that SERID is a safe and reliable way to extract vitreous material and inject anti-VEGF agents in a single injection.
Categories: Devices, Age-related Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy
Eye Drop GuideEye diseases such as glaucoma require frequent application of eye drops. However, many patients, particularly the elderly, face difficulties in positioning and administering the medication into their eye, leading to a lack of compliance, which may lead to therapeutic failure. In addition, over- or under-application of medication may also lead to further medical complications such as discomfort or in more severe cases, loss of sight. While there are existing eye drop assistive devices, there is a need for one that suits all bottle sizes and types for users who require more than one eye drop medication. To address the burden of visual impairment, WHO recommends annual vision screening for individuals aged 60 years and older, and some high-income countries have already implemented annual vision screening for older people in the community. Nevertheless, strategies and models for simple and efficient screening and referral remain key challenges for sustainable implementation of these screening programmes.
The TechnologyOur Eye Drop Guide (EDG) is an eye drop assistive device that aids users in administering medication accurately into the eye without the need for assistance. It accommodates eye drop bottles in a wide range of shapes and sizes, regardless of brand, making it suitable for users who use more than one eye drop medication. It prevents accidental over-dosage of eye medications which may cause medical complications and wastage.
Target MarketGlobally, with ageing populations, there will be an increasing number of elderly patients who are more susceptible to chronic eye diseases, and who can benefit from the assistive EDG in the delivery of eye drop medication. In Singapore, by 2030, there will be 2.1 working-age citizens for each citizen aged 65 and above. The invention caters to an increasing demand for eye drop assistive devices which the current market lacks.
Current Stage of DevelopmentSNEC and SERI in collaboration with Ngee Ann Polytechnic have designed and developed an eye drop assistive device to enable simple and convenient eye drop application. This novel eye drop guide, EDG, is a magnetic snap-fit modular eye drop guide to allow accurate and independent self-instillation by the elderly and children.
EDG’s unique patented design allows snug fit of eye drop bottles and minims of a wide range of shapes and sizes. It has been tested at SNEC and SERI and found to be proven effective when used by elderly patients and children, preventing accidental over-dosage of eye medications which may cause medical complications and reduced wastage due to misplacement of eye medicines.
A video demonstration of our device can be found online here.
EDG has been presented at the World Association of Eye Hospitals (WAEH) and received early interest from major eye hospitals around the world including Moorfields Eye Hospital (UK), Duke University Medical Center (USA), Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital (AUS), St. Erik Eye Hospital (SE) and many others.
This innovative product is currently licensed in three territories and it is available for licensing in the US and Europe.
Categories: Devices, Glaucoma
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