PolyMedix has received a grant of $150,000 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support the development of antimicrobial sutures. PolyMedix has developed a series of antimicrobial polymers for device and material applications, collectively called as PolyCides.
PolyMedix said that the grant is expected to focus on one class of PolyCides that appears to be well-suited for development as an active agent in antimicrobial sutures. The grant commences on July 1, 2010 and supports six months of research.
The primary goal of the grant is to develop antimicrobial sutures that have broad antimicrobial activity against pathogens associated with surgical site infections (SSIs), and are less likely to develop resistance because of the mechanism of action of the PolyCide polymer materials. The development of improved antimicrobial sutures could be an important addition to the comprehensive effort to reduce SSIs.
PolyMedix hopes to apply the technology to other wound closure applications to augment infection control. Furthermore, PolyMedix hopes to expand the technology to improve infection control with other medical devices and surfaces, potentially including catheters and implants, where infections may occur and which can lead to removal of the device.
Nicholas Landekic, president and CEO of PolyMedix, said: “We greatly appreciate the National Science Foundation’s recognition of the significance of our novel antimicrobial compounds and unique technology by awarding us this grant.
“This award will provide the opportunity to further develop the medical device applications of our defensin-mimetic technology, which could provide clinicians with important additional weapons in the fight against surgical site infections.”