A novel antibiotic for the control of biofilm formation

Invention TA is a broad spectrum antibiotic differing from known antibiotics by virtue of its adhesiveness to synthetic materials and to biological tissues, whilst retaining its bactericidal activity in the bound form. TA may be topically administered to the implanted device or infected zone without spreading to other parts of the body.
The Need Infections due to biofilms are often the cause of implant failure. Indeed, catheter-associated urinary tract infection is the most common nosocomial infection contributing to patient morbidity and mortality. An effective pre-treatment of medical implant devices is required to minimize infections and increase implant success.
Potential Applications

This invention has several potential applications:

o Pre-treatment of implant devices to prevent biofilm formation.

o Biofilm prevention with respect to oral healthcare, including dental caries, gingivitis and periodontitis.

o Care and maintenance of contact lenses.
Advantages o A particular TA derivative, Focusin, is stable to air and light allowing for extended duration of action and application to a wide variety of indications

o Reduced systemic side-effects compared to systemic antibiotics

o Adhesiveness at site of application enables use of minimal effective therapeutic doses.
Stage The antibiotics have been tested both in vitro and in vivo. The initial deposition rate of E. coli was significantly decreased on silicone rubber coated with TA. The coating totally prevents E.coli growth for up to 4 hours biofilm formation. The number of bacteria associated with the surface was reduced and after 24 hours bacteria attached to the surface underwent cell lysis. This antibiotic also adheres to dental hard tissues, and in clinical trials is effective in treatment of peridontal disease.
References Simhi, E., van der Mei, H.C., Ron, E., Rosenberg, E. and Busscher, H.K.

Effect of the adhesive antibiotic TA on adhesion and initial growth of E. coli on silicone rubber. FEMS Microbiology Letters (2000) 192, 97-100

Patent Granted: US; pending


Tech Transfer Officer Ms. Irit Ben-Chlouch Office: +972-3-6406601 Fax: +972-3-6406675 Mail: [email protected]

Inventor(s): Eliora Ron, Eugene Rosenberg

Type of Offer: Licensing



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