Preimure

Preimure Antibacterial Coatings in Medical Implants

Preimure: Antibacterial Coatings in Medical Implants (closed project)

Implant-related infections have historically posed a significant challenge in the medical field, leading to severe complications and increased healthcare costs. Addressing this critical issue, Preimure led the innovation with the development of an Ultra-tunable and Bio-stable Antibacterial Coating (UBAC), which was specifically designed to prevent and treat such infections.

Advantages of Preimure’s UBAC – A Look Back

Preimure’s UBAC distinguished itself by releasing combinatorial antibiotics over six weeks at high local concentrations. This targeted approach not only prevented and treated infections effectively but also reduced the potential development of antibiotic resistance—a major concern in modern healthcare.

UBAC: Impact on Healthcare Costs and Revision Surgeries

The application of UBAC proved to be particularly beneficial from a prevention standpoint. By treating susceptible patients with UBAC-coated implants, the prevalence of infections and the associated hospital costs, especially those stemming from revision surgeries, were significantly reduced.

Patent-Pending Technology and Market Introduction Strategy – A Reflection

The technology behind UBAC, invented and with a patent pending by the founding research group at UMC Utrecht, was developed through Preimure under an exclusive license agreement. The journey to market involved rigorous testing, including in vitro and in vivo validation, clinical trials, and obtaining CE marking, ensuring the highest quality and safety standards were met.

Targeting the Bone Pin/Wire Market with UBAC – A Strategic Choice

For practical and regulatory reasons, bone pins and K-wires, commonly used with external fixation devices, were chosen as the initial implant types for UBAC application due to their higher infection rates. This strategic choice not only facilitated the feasibility of clinical trials but also addressed a significant need within the existing bone pin/wire market for external fixators, valued at approximately $18.5 million. With the introduction of UBAC, the market potential reached an estimated €28.1 million, underscoring the significant economic impact of this innovation.

Market Feasibility and Biocompatibility of UBAC – A Comprehensive Review

A key phase in the project was conducting a thorough market feasibility study and biocompatibility analysis to evaluate the potential of UBAC in preventing Periprosthetic Joint Infections (PTI). This included assessing the socioeconomic burden of PTI and analyzing market dynamics with the assistance of a third-party consultant. The biocompatibility analysis reviewed the cytotoxicity of the materials and substances used in UBAC, ensuring adherence to the ISO 10933 standards.

Reflecting on Preimure’s journey, the development and introduction of UBAC into the medical field marked a pivotal advancement in combating implant-related infections, contributing significantly to the reduction of healthcare costs and enhancing patient care.