Ondine disinfection tech to be used at another Canadian hospital

Ondine Biomedical announced on Monday that it is joining forces with Canada’s Kelowna General Hospital (KGH) in a pilot targeting the prevention of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs).

The AIM-traded, Canada-based company said the initiative would see all orthopaedic patients undergoing surgery at KGH first receiving Ondine's ‘Steriwave’ nasal photodisinfection therapy.

It said Steriwave effectively neutralises a broad spectrum of pathogens including viruses, bacteria, and fungi, without inducing resistance.

Institutions like Vancouver General Hospital and the Ottawa Hospital were already using Steriwave, and had reportedly seen improved post-surgical outcomes.

Ondine said data showed reductions in infection rates, diminished hospital stays, fewer readmissions, and a drop in antibiotic prescriptions.

Notably, research from Vancouver General Hospital showed a 59% reduction in the surgical site infection (SSI) mortality rate for patients pre-treated with Steriwave as opposed to those who weren't.

“We believe that every patient deserves the best protection against HAIs,” said chief executive officer Carolyn Cross.

“By wiping out the pathogens in the nose, which is a major reservoir for these potentially fatal pathogens, our photodisinfection treatment can reduce HAIs following major surgeries by up to 80%.

“We are delighted to be working with the orthopaedic team at Kelowna General Hospital, to assist their ongoing efforts to combat these dangerous infections and continue to improve patient outcomes.”

At 0938 BST, shares in Ondine Biomedical were up 1.44% at 16.23p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.