Anti-Pseudomonas Biofilm Agents
Introduction Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection is a serious problem in patients hospitalized with cancer, cystic fibrosis, and burns. This opportunistic pathogen causes infections that are difficult to treat by antibiotic therapy, due to its ability to organize as biofilms. Biofilms are groups of bacteria associated with a surface and embedded in a self-produced extracellular matrix. As a consequence of the biofilm lifestyle, bacteria can tolerate exposure to antibiotics and biofilm infections are notoriously difficult to treat and often impossible to cure. Researchers at the University of Washington have developed new methods to treat biofilm infections. Technology description Not only is iron a necessary element to the growth of most organisms but it also serves as a signal in biofilm development. By targeting P.aeruginosa iron metabolism, researchers have developed methods and compounds that kill free-living bacteria, block biofilm formation and lead to massive killing of P. aeruginosa cells in mature biofilms. Business opportunity P. aeruginosa is responsible for 16% of nosocomial pneumonia cases, 12% of hospitalacquired urinary tract infections, 8% of surgical wound infections, and 10% of bloodstream infections. Immunocompromised patients are particularly susceptible to opportunistic infections, with a 30% fatality rate due to pneumonia and septicemia in neutropenic cancer and bone marrow transplant patients. P. aeruginosa is also one of the most common and lethal pathogens responsible for ventilator-associated pneumonia in intubated patients, with directly attributable death rates reaching 38%. P. aeruginosa outbreaks in burn units are still associated with 60% death rates. In the expanding AIDS population, P. aeruginosa bacteremia is associated with 50% of deaths. Cystic fibrosis (CF)patients are characteristically susceptible to chronic infection by P. aeruginosa, which is responsible for high rates of illness and death in this population. There is therefore an incredible need for efficient therapies targeting biofilms alone or in combination with antibiotics. Intellectual property position The University has applied for patent protection to secure the rights to this technology.
Type of Offer: Licensing
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