Combining Semprus Sustain™ Technology & Antimicrobial Release to
Reduce Orthopedic Infections
WAYNE, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 28, 2014--
Teleflex Incorporated (NYSE: TFX), a leading global provider of medical
devices for critical care and surgery, has announced that it has been
awarded a $2.1 million research grant from the U.S. Army’s Telemedicine
and Advanced Technology Research Center (TATRC), located at Fort
Detrick, MD. The award will support research and development of a
surface-modified tibial intramedullary nail that combines the Semprus
Sustain™ technology with antimicrobial technology. Up to an additional
$2.46 million in funding for the project may be provided under the
award, at the U.S. Army’s discretion.
The research will be conducted at Teleflex’s facilities in Cambridge,
MA, in conjunction with U.S. Army Institute for Surgical Research
(USAISR) at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, TX. This award builds upon
an initial $1.1 million TATRC grant awarded to Semprus BioSciences in
2011 to develop the world’s first orthopedic devices designed to reduce
biofilm formation.
“Teleflex is pleased to partner with the U.S. Army to develop a solution
to an unmet need in orthopedic injuries affecting our wounded men and
women in combat,” said Benson Smith, Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer. “This award will help enable Teleflex to combine its
proprietary Sustain surface modification and antimicrobial solutions to
develop a valuable clinical solution to battleground injuries, and we
are hopeful that this collaboration will yield greatly improved clinical
outcomes for soldiers.”
Orthopedic injuries, common in the majority of wounded soldiers, can
lead to significant morbidity and failure to return to duty. Initial
stabilization with external fixators followed by delayed conversion to
intramedullary (IM) nails has become the standard of care for US
military personnel. Despite receiving initial treatment within minutes
of being wounded and the rapid evacuation to definitive care, most open
fractures test positive for multi-drug resistant bacteria due to the
significant amount of soft-tissue damage inflicted by a blast injury.
Highly infected wounds can lead to delayed bone union or ultimately
require amputation due to infectious complications.
Advancements in the management and prevention of infections associated
with orthopedic injuries has significantly improved in recent years with
the routine use of debridement techniques, negative pressure wound
therapy, prophylactic antibiotics, and bone stabilization. Despite these
improvements, orthopedic infections of up to 30%-40% can occur in
traumatic open fractures which are typically treated with fixation
devices such as intramedullary nails, plates, and screws. Therefore, new
strategies for preventing infection are needed such as the prevention of
bacterial adherence to metal implants, which is a well-documented
phenomenon and is considered to be the first step in infection. After
adhering to a surface, bacteria may form a biofilm and remain virtually
impervious to standard medical treatment including systemic or local
antibiotic therapy or debridement.
About Teleflex Incorporated
Teleflex is a leading global provider of specialty medical devices for a
range of procedures in critical care and surgery. Our mission is to
provide solutions that enable healthcare providers to improve outcomes
and enhance patient and provider safety. Headquartered in Wayne, PA,
Teleflex employs approximately 11,500 people worldwide and serves
healthcare providers in more than 150 countries. Additional information
about Teleflex can be obtained from the company's website at teleflex.com.
About Semprus BioSciences
Semprus BioSciences, a biomedical company located in Cambridge, MA, is a
wholly owned subsidiary of Teleflex Incorporated specializing in the
research and development of innovative approaches to reduce medical
device complications. The company’s proprietary Sustain™ Technology
signifies a breakthrough in medical device technology with its highly
non-fouling surface using covalently bonded polymers that coordinate
water over the device surface to reduce microbial attachment. Previously
a venture-backed company, Semprus was acquired by Teleflex in 2012.
Forward-Looking Statements
Any statements contained in this press release that do not describe
historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements. Any
forward-looking statements contained herein are based on our
management's current beliefs and expectations, but are subject to a
number of risks, uncertainties and changes in circumstances, which may
cause actual results or company actions to differ materially from what
is expressed or implied by these statements. These risks and
uncertainties are identified and described in more detail in our filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report
on Form 10-K.
Teleflex, Semprus BioSciences and Semprus Sustain are trademarks or
registered trademarks of Teleflex Incorporated or its affiliates. ©2014
Teleflex Incorporated. All rights reserved. MC-000712
This research and development project is being conducted by Semprus
BioSciences and is made possible by a cooperative agreement that was
awarded and administered by the U.S. Army Medical Research & Materiel
Command (USAMRMC) and the Telemedicine & Advanced Technology Research
Center (TATRC), at Fort Detrick, MD under Contract Number:
W81XWH-14-2-0015
Source: Teleflex Incorporated
Teleflex Incorporated
Jake Elguicze
Treasurer and Vice
President, Investor Relations
610-948-2836
jake.elguicze@teleflex.com
www.teleflex.com