Strategic therapeutic areas
Bactiguard focuses on five strategic therapeutic areas where the risk of infection has important consequences that has exposed a significant unmet medical need for infection prevention. These areas include Orthopedics, Cardiology, Neurology, Urology, and Vascular Access, altogether representing a significant market potential for Bactiguard
Orthopedics
External fixators and hardware implants are commonly used in orthopedic operations and procedures to treat patients with joint disorders and fractures, and early mobility and functionality are key for complete and full recovery. Both during and after these procedures, externally fixed or implantable devices are susceptible to infections. Current infection rates vary depending on the procedure, with primary implant infections occurring in 1 to 5 percent of cases, revision surgeries ranging from 8 to 22 percent, and fracture-related infections from 5 to 40 percent. Avoiding infections and consequential revision surgery by using infection prevention technologies can reduce patient distress and save healthcare system resources.
Cardiology
Implantable cardiovascular medical devices, including pacemakers, implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs), and ventricular assist devices (VADs), are essential for managing conditions such as heart failure and arrhythmias. However, these devices are also susceptible to infections, with reported infection rates ranging from 1 to 7 percent4) for cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) and 19 to 39 percent5) for ventricular assist devices. Over the past two decades, advancements in the design of VAD devices have significantly improved patient outcomes. However, infection-related mortality remains a major challenge, as infections often lead to device failure, necessitating surgical removal or replacement. This, in turn, has a substantial impact on patient recovery and healthcare resources.
Neurology
Neurological medical devices, including shunts, deep brain stimulators (DBS), spinal cord stimulators (SCS), sacral nerve stimulators (SNS), vagus nerve stimulators (VNS), and peripheral nerve stimulators (PNS), play a vital role in treating neurological disorders such as hydrocephalus, Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders, epilepsy, incontinence, and chronic pain. However, these devices are vulnerable to infections, with reported infection rates ranging from 1 to 15 percent for neuromodulation devices and 5 to 13 percent for shunts. Patients are at an increased risk of infection both during and after neurosurgical procedures. Infections can lead to device failure, the need for revision surgery, and prolonged hospital stays, significantly impacting patient recovery and healthcare resources.
Urology
Infections in the urinary tract are a common complication when a patient is catheterized. Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is one of the most common HAIs and is often caused by indwelling urinary catheters. The catheter surface becomes colonized with bacteria and other microbes and can develop biofilm leading to urinary tract infections. The incidence of CAUTI ranges from 9 to 21 percent1) in patients catheterized for more than two days, posing a significant risk for prolonged hospital stays and further complications. Patients who use catheters for a long time are at increased risk of developing urinary tract infections, as the risk of infection increases with each day of catheterization. Suffering from a urinary tract infection can be both unpleasant and painful and might lead to serious bacterial complications such as urosepsis.
Vascular access
Patients with co-morbidities and compromised immunity are at a higher risk of infection, particularly in intensive care unit settings. Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) occur in 2 to 10 percent2) of patients with a central line in place for more than two days, further increasing the risk of severe complications. In addition, there is substantial risk of cross contamination within the care unit. An infection in a patient who is already critically ill is serious and leads to higher mortality. Preventing infections can save lives..