The number of multi-resistant bacteria is continuing to increase. Like global warming the threat posed by antibiotic resistant bacteria is of global concern. Antibiotic resistant bacteria are continuing to perpetuate without a decline in the need and consumption of antibiotics. A solution to this impending epidemic beckons, a solution that is both manageable and affordable across the globe.
The Swedish pharmaceutical and medical technology company Abigo Medical has developed a unique and patented wound product line, Sorbact, which improves healing times and binds bacteria without the risks of resistance development to antibiotics.
The product is based on a unique mechanism called the Sorbact method, originally developed to improve wound healing. The product range is now available in 65 countries, with its’ international success resulting in demand for introduction to the United States.
A persistent problem
The development of Sorbact was initially based on the work of two Swedish Professors, Torkel Wadström and Stellan Hjertén. Wadström and Hjertén identified the need for alternative treatments as the problem of resistant bacteria began to accelerate almost 30 years ago. The problem is even greater today, where it is predicted no new antibiotics will be available to treat the most resistant bacteria in an alarmingly short ten year timeframe according to data presented by Region Skåne, Sweden. The need for an alternative treatment is upon us, antibiotics are not only losing the battle but contributing to the problem with misuse.
Medical Director Mattias Andrup, Abigo Medical, explains that the consequences of excessive use of antibiotics affect people all over the world. “One of the most recognised problems is MRSA, which is a well-known resistant bacterium responsible for several difficult to treat infections in humans. It is particularly active in closed environments such as hospitals and nursing homes. MRSA has brought, and continues to bring, large economical strains on hospitals and nursing homes globally”.
In the United States alone, MRSA is responsible for 368,000 hospitalisations and kills up to 19,000 patients yearly.
A sustainable solution
Sorbact is a state of the art innovation completely independent of antibiotics. The philosophy of Abigo Medical Sorbact is to remove bacteria without the release of chemicals, not actually killing bacteria but effectively removing them from the infected area. Sorbact interacts with bacteria in a completely different way to antibiotics, therefore no resistance to Sorbact can be developed. So how does it actually work?
“Sorbact is placed in direct contact with the wound, thus effectively binding the bacteria to the surface. When the dressing is changed, the bacteria are removed with the dressing. There are no similar solutions available on the market today, despite the critical need. It is therefore our duty to ensure that the Sorbact method is developed further and in new directions addressing novel areas of care”, says Mattias Andrup, who is responsible for the research and development activities at Abigo Medical’s own laboratories in Gothenburg.
Abigo’s approach
Abigo adopts a novel approach in many respects. Not only in terms of the product, but also in terms of how the company is built up. All activities, including manufacturing, are managed from Sweden. All manufacturing takes place in the company’s own factory located in Askersund, actually Sweden’s only plant of this kind. Headquarters are located in Gothenburg, complete with a full-scale laboratory for research and development.
Abigo is wholly owned by the two brothers, Leif Smith and Jan G. Smith, both actively involved in the day-to-day running of the company.
“Being able to treat wounds and infections effectively without the use of antibiotics is an important step in order to overcome the accelerating problem with multi-resistant bacteria. Abigo’s ambition is to become one of the leading international companies in the field. Based on the Sorbact method, we are planning for further introductions of new, innovative solutions in the antimicrobial field in the upcoming years”, Jan G. Smith reveals.
