The startup has developed a drug-eluting biopsy needle that releases antibiotics directly to the prostate during procedures, significantly reducing the risk of infectious complications. This polymer-coated device enables the co-administration of multiple antibiotics, enhancing their effectiveness and broadening their spectrum of activity.
Funding
$2.7M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsies, a standard procedure for prostate cancer diagnosis, carry a risk of infectious complications due to the introduction of intestinal bacteria into the bloodstream and prostate. Increasing antibiotic resistance in rectal flora elevates the incidence of severe infections and hospital readmissions following these biopsies.
Solution
DEBN provides a novel approach to reducing infectious complications associated with transrectal prostate biopsies through a drug-eluting biopsy needle kit. The kit includes a polymer-coated biopsy needle and anesthesia needle designed to release antibiotics directly into the prostate during the procedure. This targeted delivery enables the co-administration of multiple antibiotics, broadening their spectrum of activity and enhancing effectiveness. The initial DEBN model utilizes poly(vinyl alcohol) and amikacin for localized antimicrobial prophylaxis.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes urologists and hospitals seeking to minimize infectious complications following transrectal prostate biopsies.
Features
- Polymer-coated biopsy and anesthesia needles for targeted drug delivery
- Coating designed for controlled release of antibiotics directly into the prostate
- Capability for co-administration of multiple antibiotics to broaden the spectrum of activity
- Demonstrated bactericidal activity against E. coli in laboratory testing
- Potential to reduce the need for hospitalization associated with intravenous antibiotic administration