MRSA treatment using PhotoDynamic disinfection

With talk of MRSA becoming rampant in UK hospitals it is timely to see that Ondine Biopharma, from Vancouver, Canada, has concluded an agreement with University College London (UCL) for an exclusive option on technology developed at UCL in the area of the PhotoDynamic Disinfection treatment of topical, multiple methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and related wound infections.

Upon exercise of the option, UCL has agreed to grant Ondine an exclusive, worldwide, royalty bearing license of the technology. The royalty payable is based on the value of sales of products incorporating the technology. 'We are pleased to be extending our relationship with the University College London. Together with UCL, we will further develop PDD technology for MRSA and related wound and trauma infections.' said Bruce Dean, president and ceo of Ondine Biopharma. 'MRSA is an important medical need that accounts for nearly 80% of all nosocomial (hospital-derived) infections, resulting in an estimated US$6.7bn in additional medical costs in the USA alone.'

Commenting on the relationship with Ondine, Derek Reay of UCL biomedica, the technology transfer company of UCL said: 'We are very impressed with Ondine's growing expertise in the area of PhotoDynamic Disinfection and, equally, by their drive to introduce new standards of care to the medical community. We see a bright future in partnership with Ondine to introduce new PDD-based technologies for the treatment of a wide range of topical infections.'