Bioactive coating to prevent catheter infection and thrombosis

ended

Peripheral and central venous catheters are among the most implanted blood-contacting medical devices for short and long-term clinical applications, respectively. Despite implementations of in-hospital measures, catheters are often subject to infection and thrombotic complications, which result in longer hospitalization stay, higher health care costs, or even death. The CMD-COAT project aims at providing an innovative and rapid solution to this major medical, economical and societal need. The solution comes from our patented technology, referred to as Coatigel, that consists of grafting multilayer cross-linked nanogels with combined antifouling, antimicrobial and antithrombotic properties onto catheter surface. The combination of these properties can guarantee longer catheter clinical performance than any currently available products. Our project includes all the validation steps that will enable us to bring Coatigel on the catheter market. We will assess Coatigel compliance with ISO standards and compile the technical file for CE mark application in accordance with EU directives for class III medical devices. The whole process will be realized under the guidance of a company specialized in quality management to ensure optimal reliability and efficacy. The project also involves setting up partnerships with catheter industries to adjust our technology to manufacturing constraints. Via services of marketing experts, we will take on a competitive market analysis, including geographic segmentation, to position Coatigel in the catheter market. This project will result in the creation of a coating spin-off company with the exclusive right of Coatigel commercial exploitation. The presence of several big catheter manufacturers in Belgium is a main asset for our business success. All this will be achieved thanks to the help of local support in intellectual property management, consolidating industrial partnerships, and in contacts with potential investors.