AdvanSource Biomaterials Announces Patent for Antimicrobial Polymer to Combat MRSA

AdvanSource Biomaterials Corporation, a developer, manufacturer and seller of advanced polymer technologies and materials for a broad range of medical devices, announces that it has received a notice of allowance from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in connection with its antimicrobial patent application filed in June 2007. U.S. Patent No. 7,772,296, "Antimicrobial Polyurethane Resins and Products Made Therefrom," covers a drug-free, antimicrobial technology to eradicate methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections associated with medical devices.

The company believes that infection rates from MRSA, primarily from hospitals and other medical facilities, pose significant risks to patient populations and are increasing in frequency. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 250,000 catheter-related bloodstream infections cost the U.S. healthcare system about $4.6 billion a year.

The companys proprietary manufacturing process is differentiated by an innovative methodology whereby an antimicrobial agent is incorporated during the synthesis of a resin, using the companys advanced polymer technologies, which is suitable for molding into medical devices. These antimicrobial formulations are designed to possess a high degree of bacterial kill. The resultant antimicrobial polymers may then be used as structural components or as coatings in various catheters, including venus, arterial and urological.

"This patent underscores the strength of our technology team and their capabilities in developing innovative technologies to meet clear market needs," says Michael Adams, AdvanSources president and CEO. "There have been many studies and well-documented evidence in support of the risks associated with infection from invasive and minimally invasive medical devices, such as catheters. We believe our antimicrobial polymers could now provide medical device developers and manufacturers with a biomaterial choice providing them a competitive advantage in the marketing and sales of medical devices which are constructed or coated with our patented antimicrobial polymers."