A researcher tests the Biofilm Disruption Device (BDD) on a metal disk at the lab of Garwood Medical Devices at the University at Buffalo. [Image courtesy of Douglas Levere / University at Buffalo]
Garwood is presently raising $3 million in a series B round and is engaged in another round of animal testing of its Biofilm Disruption Device (BDD), according to a University at Buffalo news release. Company officials plan to submit an application next year to U.S. FDA for de novo classification.
“Our goal is to eliminate the need for follow-up surgeries. We think we can wipe out infection-causing bacteria before trouble starts,” said Garwood Medical Devices CEO Wayne Bacon.
The company is working with the University at Buffalo’s Buffalo Institute for Genomics and Data Analytics (BIG), which is part of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s economic development plans to grow the Buffalo Niagra area as a bioinformatics and life science hub.
The BDD, originally developed by University at Buffalo biomedical engineering professor Mark Ehrensberger, includes two skin patches with electrodes, a low voltage electricity generator and a needle about the size of a sewing needle that carries electricity to the joint replacement. The charge triggers a chemical reaction at the surface of the implant or metal hardware, producing a microenvironment that helps kill bacteria.
Tests in animals showed the technology that BDD is based upon helped to wipe out up to 98% of harmful bacteria associated with joint replacements, according to the press release.
Ehrensberger described the BDD device as an “elegant and minimally invasive solution to a growing problem that causes pain and suffering in hospitals across the nation.”
“It also could save the health care system billions of dollars,” Ehrensberger said.
Garwood Medical Devices previously closed on a $3.6 million Series A round in 2016.
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