Vetlen Advanced Veterinary Devices has announced the availability of its Vetlen Pouch, a novel device designed for targeted antibiotic delivery to infected surgical and wound sites in canine and equine patients. This innovative approach aims to provide localized, high-dose antibiotic therapy, addressing the limitations of current treatment options.
Addressing Limitations of Current Antibiotic Therapies
According to Stephanie Morley, DVM, president of Vetlen, current methods for local antibiotic administration, such as antibiotic powders and antibiotic-loaded beads, often lose effectiveness before complete healing occurs. The Vetlen Pouch addresses this issue by dispensing antibiotics directly to the site of infection, ensuring the right drug reaches the right place for the appropriate duration. This targeted delivery is intended to allow patients to focus their energy on healing bone and soft tissues, leading to faster recovery.
Device Design and Functionality
The Vetlen Pouch features a syringe-based replenishing system and is designed for implantation at surgical or wound sites. Veterinarians can customize treatment based on the specific patient and pathogen, with the ability to adjust medication as needed through daily replenishment. The device can deliver continuous medication for up to 30 days and is removed similarly to a surgical drain once therapy is complete. The pouch can also dispense other small molecule medications under 2,000 g/mol that are water-soluble and approved for intramuscular or subcutaneous injection.
Preclinical Trial Results
Comprehensive preclinical trials were conducted to support FDA submissions. One notable trial compared the Vetlen Pouch to systemic antibiotics and antibiotic-loaded beads in treating long bone open fractures in sheep infected with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The results indicated that the pouches provided superior clinical outcomes, with study animals exhibiting healthier suture lines, improved bone outcomes, improved subdermal tissues, and significantly less bioburden.
Potential for Human Applications
Developed by Vetlen's parent company, Purgo Scientific, the technology is initially being launched for veterinary use, with plans for a human health version in the future. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted a breakthrough device designation to the parent technology, recognizing its potential to address a significant unmet need in treating difficult open fracture-related infections complicated by biofilms.
"We are excited to offer this kind of technology first in the veterinary market," remarked Morley. "We believe our breakthrough local antibiotic delivery technology will dramatically improve wound healing in veterinary medicine."
Veternarians can acquire a free Vetlen pouch for a limited time to gain clinical experience with the device. The product is also available for purchase on the company website.
