Polaroid Therapeutics and SFM Limited Collaborate to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance in Wound Care
Polaroid Therapeutics (PTx), a Swiss biotech start-up, and SFM Limited (SFM), a UK-based leader in fibre development, have announced a collaboration aimed at addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through advanced wound care solutions.
SFM-Modified Cellulose 200gsm
The partnership involves combining PTx’s proprietary antimicrobial polymer technology with SFM’s carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) dressing. The integration aims to create a wound dressing that prevents infection and promotes healing, particularly in chronic and cavity wounds. Research and development will take place at SFM’s facility in Coventry.
Significance
Antimicrobial resistance presents a significant global health challenge. The World Bank estimates that AMR could lead to an additional $1 trillion in healthcare costs by 2050. Furthermore, it could cause a loss of $1–$3.4 trillion in GDP annually by 2030 and result in 10 million deaths each year by 2050, as reported by Public Health England. The economic impact could also result in £66 trillion in lost productivity by 2050.
Research and Development
The partnership will conduct a series of trials to evaluate the feasibility of integrating PTx’s antimicrobial polymer technology into SFM’s CMC fibres. The objective is to develop a wound dressing that effectively manages exudate, controls infection, maintains moisture balance, fills dead space, manages pain, and ensures patient compliance.
PTx's core technology, mechanism of action
Polaroid Therapeutics, founded in 2022, focuses on developing antimicrobial therapies based on quaternized polyethyleneimine (QPEI) technology. This technology aims to prevent and inhibit infections in various indications, including acute and chronic wounds.
Topics: HealthTech
