Initial Focus - Vascular Access
Unmet Need
Thrombus formation associated with catheter usage is a common occurrence that causes deep vein thrombosis and catheter occlusion. Reducing the rate of catheter occlusion is currently centered on flushing with a heparin/saline mix to maintain patency, utilizing a declotting drug and/or replacing the catheter. Together with catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs), these complications cause significant morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs.
Deficiencies in Current Technologies
Established medical device manufacturers use leaching agents, such as silver, heparin and antibiotics, to prevent complications associated with implanted devices. These technologies suffer from notable drawbacks, which limit their ability to provide the long-term protection required for modern medical devices:
- Limited duration of effectiveness, as the added agents elute over time.
- Limited efficacy, due to their narrow mechanism of action.
- Potential allergenic reactions and drug resistance.
The Market Solution - Semprus Sustain™ Technology*
Our Semprus Sustain™ Technology is initially geared towards vascular applications, such as catheters. Unlike current short-duration coatings, our non-leaching technology is designed to reduce catheter-related thrombus accumulation inside and outside of the device for its lifespan of use.
In vitro and in vivo animal testing has shown that Semprus Sustain™ Technology reduces platelet adhesion and thrombus accumulation after multi-month exposure to blood.
The Semprus Sustain™ Technology is designed to mimic the properties of endothelial cell membrane and provides a naturally lubricious device surface.
Our vascular surface technology has also been tailored to meet the practical and manufacturing considerations of vascular catheters. This includes an ability to modify both narrow lumens and external surfaces with a material that is stable to common flexural and tensile stresses. To ensure we "do no harm" to the underlying material, the application process has been designed to prevent any measurable impact on the mechanical or physical properties of existing devices.
*Not available for clinical use in the USA.
