Iasis Molecular Sciences Inc. is making strides in preventing healthcare-associated infections through the development of two key products: a Foley catheter and an architectural antimicrobial coating. These innovations leverage the company's proprietary "ionclad" antimicrobials, composed of silver and copper metals, designed to inhibit microbial growth.
Antimicrobial Foley Catheter Development
The Foley catheter, utilizing silver ionclad antimicrobials, aims to significantly reduce the incidence of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). According to the CDC, CAUTIs account for approximately 560,000 infections annually in hospitals and extended-care facilities, leading to over 13,000 deaths each year. The Iasis catheter addresses this critical need by preventing microbial colonization, a common cause of CAUTIs.
"These antimicrobial materials, they have a lot of applications," says Iasis CEO and founder David Vachon. "But we are principally interested and focused in the area of reducing health care-associated infections—that is infections that occur while the patient is in the hospital."
The development process involves multiple stages. Iasis has contracted Richman Chemical Inc. to manufacture the antimicrobial material, which is then blended into silicone rubber by a specialized manufacturer. Spectrum Plastics Group, Inc. will finalize the catheter development and oversee design control testing. The Foley catheters will then be ready for a clinical unit.
Architectural Antimicrobial Coatings
Iasis is also developing architectural antimicrobial coatings using copper ionclad antimicrobials. The company has received phase II funding of $1.25 million from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to take its ionclad copper architectural coatings to be approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. These coatings are intended for use in healthcare settings, cruise ships, long-term care facilities, and public spaces to prevent the formation of biofilms.
"Generally speaking, bacteria can double in population every 20 minutes, under the right conditions," Vachon explains. "They grow into these communities called biofilms. Our material, whether we are talking about a medical device or architectural coating, prevents these biofilms from forming."
Tests have demonstrated that the architectural coatings, once applied and dried, can inactivate viruses such as COVID-19 and influenza. Iasis will manufacture the ionclad copper architectural coating in-house and then send it to a paint manufacturer to formulate a water-based coating suitable for indoor use. Some of the copper material will also be used to create powder paints for electrostatic application, particularly on metal surfaces.
Future Outlook
Iasis Molecular Sciences Inc. is poised for growth, with expectations of generating revenue by 2025. The company is currently raising capital to expand its operations and further develop its antimicrobial technologies. Iasis owns the intellectual property rights to ionclad antimicrobials and plans to license the materials for use in various applications, including medical devices and food packaging.
"I really think the technology is going to benefit society, people, patients, and that’s a good thing," Vachon states. "I think we can save a lot of lives by implementing it."
