Date: Sep 19, 2012 Author: press release Source: Company Data (
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Spokane, WA -- September 19, 2012 -- IASIS Molecular Sciences (IMS), an early stage pharmaceutical-medical device company specializing in wound healing and infection control today announced receipt of a $298,369 grant award from the National Institutes of Health (NIAID). The grant is for new and promising research aimed at the development of novel pharmaceutical formulations for the treatment of diabetic wound infection aimed at minimizing/preventing osteomyelitis.
During this twelve month multidisciplinary effort, IMS will carry out research in collaboration with the University of Akron and Akron Research Commercialization Corporation, Akron OH (Dr. Wiley Youngs), and Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond VA (Dr. Dorne Yager). The preclinical research effort is aimed at bringing the formulations to the point where a more robust preclinical evaluation can be carried out.
In the United States, the economic burden associated with the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers is estimated to be in excess of $15B annually. The causes of diabetic foot ulcers are complex and infection is one significant complication known to delay their healing. Infection leading to osteomyelitis may be severe enough to require amputation. These infections are frequently caused by the presence of several bacterial species simultaneously and because these patients have poor circulation, treatment with systemic antibiotics alone is often ineffective.
"We are optimistic that these new formulations will demonstrate the ability to effectively eliminate a broad range of dangerous pathogens for these patients with diabetic foot ulcers and we are very grateful to the NIH for funding this work. Their support has made it evident that new treatments that address the complications of diabetes are very important" stated Dr. David Vachon, IMS CEO and Founder.
"Our early research--the work that led to this generous award--has focused specifically on the formulation and antimicrobial effectiveness of these new formulations for the treatment of wound infections. Early testing has shown that the new formulations are antimicrobial and well-tolerated by human cells ".
Formulation and laboratory testing of the new formulations will be performed by IMS at the Innovate Washington incubator facility in Spokane, Washington, after which evaluation of effectiveness will be performed by Dr. Yager at Virginia Commonwealth University. Results will be available in late 2013.
The IMS team occupies office and lab space at Innovate Washington, a Washington-based public-private partnership with a focus on statewide economic development.
About IASIS Molecular Sciences (www.iasismolecular.com)
IASIS Molecular Sciences specializes in the development of antimicrobial biomaterials and medical devices, as well as controlled release antimicrobial formulations for the treatment of infection, inflammation, and secondary tissue loss associated with burn trauma, periodontal disease, and abnormal healing. For more information, contact IMS at djvachon@iasismolecular.com, or by phone at 509-210-0736.
About Innovate Washington
Innovate Washington (www.innovatewashington.org) is a statewide, public-private partnership that is the catalyst for economic growth in Washington's innovation economy. The organization collaborates, convenes and connects innovators and researchers with the entrepreneurial and financial capital needed to produce world-class companies and high-value jobs that will form the backbone of our region's future economy.
Contact: Dave Vachon
Chief Executive Officer
IASIS Molecular Sciences
509-210-0736
djvachon@iasismolecular.com
