Canadian life sciences company Ondine Biomedical, known for its groundbreaking work in light-activated antimicrobial treatments, has confirmed that its innovative Steriwave technology will be piloted by King’s College Hospital (KCH), one of London’s key teaching hospitals and a global pioneer in healthcare innovation. This initiative is part of KCH’s commitment to quality improvement with a keen focus on reducing the incidence of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). As part of the pilot program, which is slated to commence later this year, Steriwave will be employed as a pioneering solution to combatting HAIs.
Steriwave technology represents a revolutionary leap in antimicrobial treatment. Its proprietary light-activated agent works by eradicating various pathogens that cause infections. This agent is applied to the nostrils using a nasal swab, which is subsequently illuminated with a red light laser. The laser amplifies the photodynamic agent, triggering an oxidative burst that annihilates bacteria, viruses, and fungi that pose infection risks — all within a swift five-minute protocol. This rapid, efficient process circumvents the risk of pathogens developing resistance, positioning Steriwave as a robust alternative to traditional antibiotics.
In March 2024, The Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust distinguished itself as the leading UK institution to adopt Steriwave as a standard measure for preventing surgical site infections in hip and knee surgery patients. Subsequently, Steriwave’s incorporation into the NHS Supply Chain in June 2024 made it readily available to healthcare organizations and hospitals across England and Wales, thereby facilitating its wider adoption.
KCH bears a longstanding reputation for its substantial contributions to healthcare and its pioneering ethos. It serves as a major teaching hospital and trauma centre, famed for its trailblazing medical breakthroughs, such as implementing the UK’s first bone marrow transplant and setting up the world’s very first voluntary blood donor service.
Ondine Biomedical prides itself as a forerunner in the area of light-activated antimicrobial therapies or ‘photodisinfection’. Its nasal photodisinfection system, known as Steriwave®, enjoys approval in Canada and European countries and holds CE marking. In the US, it has earned both the Qualified Infectious Disease Product designation and Fast Track status by the FDA and is currently progressing through clinical trials for regulatory endorsement.
Nose decolonization is strongly recommended by the 2016 Global guidelines of WHO for preventing surgical site infections, and the guidelines published by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) in May 2023 endorse nasal decolonization for significant surgical procedures. Thus, the usage of technologies like Steriwave presents a promising avenue for healthcare institutions striving to improve patient outcomes.