Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Army awards Semprus BioSciences $1M to protect implants

By James M. Connolly

Semprus BioSciences of Cambridge reported today that it has received a $1 million grant from the U.S. Army to develop orthopedic devices that are designed to minimize biofilm formation, which in turn can lead to bacterial complications.

The grant from the Army’s Telemedicine & Advanced Technology Research Center (TATRC) is intended to advance Semprus Biosciences’ technology, which manages and harnesses water molecules on a medical device surface. The technology is designed to create non-fouling performance, reducing the attachment of proteins, cells, bacteria and other biological matter.

The company said that there are about 11,000 deaths in the U.S. due to infections related to orthopedic devices. The company noted that gunshot wounds, blast injuries and landmine explosions cause the majority of battlefield wounds to U.S. soldiers, and that more than 60 percent of the wounded soldiers suffer orthopedic injuries.

Earlier this year, Semprus BioSciences CEO David L. Lucchino was elected to the board of directors of the trade association Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed).