Ondine Biomedical Inc., a notable player in the field of infection prevention, is pleased to announce the implementation of their Steriwave® nasal photodisinfection technology at Hôtel-Dieu de Sherbrooke. With this adoption, the institution has become the second hospital in Quebec to make this innovative infection prevention technology a standard part of their orthopedic surgery protocols. This follows another successful implementation at Hôpital Fleurimont in Quebec, which reported a significant 78.8% reduction in surgical site infections (SSIs) among patients undergoing pre-operative Steriwave therapy.
The data, disclosed at the 25th Annual Scientific Conference of the Canadian Spine Society in February 2025, further demonstrated Steriwave’s safety, efficacy, and seamless integration into preoperative workflows. Moreover, a positive international impact is witnessed, with Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust in the UK reporting a 71% decrease in joint surgery infections post-Steriwave adoption. As Hôtel-Dieu de Sherbrooke now implements Steriwave® protocols, Quebec’s Estrie region continues to be a pioneer in the realm of infection control.
Steriwave’s nasal decolonization provides superior protection without contributing to antimicrobial resistance or requiring patient compliance, addressing the significant challenge posed by SSIs, predominantly caused by pathogens that colonize the nasal passages. Steriwave’s antimicrobial therapy destroys harmful nasal pathogens without promoting resistance or requiring patient compliance. It uses a proprietary photosensitive agent applied in each nostril, followed by illumination with specific red light wavelengths, which effectively wipes out bacteria, viruses, and fungi in mere minutes.
Clinical trials to support Steriwave’s regulatory approval are currently ongoing in the U.S., despite already being approved in multiple countries including Canada, Europe, Australia, and Mexico. Supporting the Quebéc hospital’s adoption of Nasal photodisinfection as standard care, Carolyn Cross, CEO of Ondine Biomedical, reiterates the importance of innovative infection prevention strategies, particularly amidst the growing threat of antibiotic resistance. Hôtel-Dieu de Sherbrooke’s dedication towards adopting advanced measures is a testament to their commitment to patient safety.