In a Stock Sector interview, Dr. Todd Linsenmeyer describes the problem of encrustation and blockage of urinary catheters—and how NovaBay’s auriclosene product can reduce the problem, thus improving patients’ quality of life and reducing health care costs
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / April 1, 2014 / Stock-Sector.com, an online source of news about promising medical, technology and energy companies, today announced that it is releasing an interview with Dr. Todd A. Linsenmeyer, director of urology at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in New Jersey and one of the nation’s leading urologists. The interview focuses on Dr. Linsenmeyer’s work with NovaBay Pharmaceuticals (NYSE MKT: NBY), an Emeryville, CA, biopharmaceutical company developing novel anti-microbial products, to help solve the problem of encrustation and blockage of catheters.
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHRnlYEHgmA
Because of spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, and other conditions, tens of thousands of patients in the U.S. must use urinary catheters that stay in place for days or weeks at a time—so-called indwelling catheters. But the catheters routinely become coated with bacteria and biofilms, causing serious medical issues, Dr. Linsenmeyer explains in the interview.
“One of the major problems with an indwelling catheter is the risk of developing catheter encrustation,” Dr. Linsenmeyer says. “That could cause catheter blockage or the formation of bladder stones. And in some spinal cord patients, blockage can cause a condition called autonomic dysreflexia—a sudden severe elevation in the person’s blood pressure.” Autonomic dysreflexia can lead to life-threatening strokes if not taken care of immediately.
Dr. Linsenmeyer explains that doctors have not had good ways to prevent catheter encrustation. “One of the most effective things we do is to have the person perform frequent (every one to two weeks) catheter changes in an attempt to limit encrustation,” he says. “But encrustation can still occur even with this.”
That’s why Dr. Linsenmeyer was intrigued when he got a phone call from NovaBay CEO Dr. Ron Najafi. NovaBay had created a stable version of potent natural anti-microbial substances that white blood cells use as a first defense against microbial invaders. In lab tests, the NovaBay product, called auriclosene, both kills bacteria and breaks up biofilms. Studies also showed that irrigating catheters with auriclosene might prevent encrustation and blockage. Najafi told Dr. Linsenmeyer that NovaBay had designed a Phase 2 clinical study to prove whether or not auriclosene was effective at solving the catheter problems. Was Dr. Linsenmeyer interested in being part of the study?
He was. “Since bladder stones and encrustation is such a big problem, after reviewing the protocol I agreed to be one of the investigators,” Dr. Linsenmeyer explains.
The data from the first trial were promising, Dr. Linsenmeyer says. Several of his patients were able to keep their catheters in place, with no blockage or other problems, for the full 26-day trial period when the catheters were irrigated with the NovaBay product. Another trial is planned for later this year.
Dr. Linsenmeyer explains that he can’t endorse individual products but the approach is clearly promising. “A truly effective reliable irrigation solution would not only help reduce potential risks of catheter blockage, it would also reduce health care costs,” he says.
About NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Inc.: Going Beyond Antibiotics®
NovaBay Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on addressing the unmet therapeutic needs of the global, topical anti-infective market with its Aganocide® compounds, led by auriclosene. Auriclosene is a new chemical entity invented by NovaBay and has a broad spectrum of activity against bacteria, viruses and fungi. Aganocide compounds are based on the human body’s natural immune system and the molecules involved in combating infections. Bacterial resistance to Aganocides is highly unlikely, as demonstrated in in vitro studies. Once pathogens penetrate the body, the next line of defense is provided by the white blood cells. NovaBay has focused on understanding these molecules generated by the white blood cells and finding ways, by chemical modification, to allow them to be developed as therapeutic products with the potential to treat a wide range of local, non-systemic infections. NovaBay believes that if Aganocides begin to supplement and thereby reduce the usage of classic antibiotics, they will help slow the rise of antibiotic resistance.
About Stock Sector
Stock-Sector.com does not necessarily endorse the products and/or services of the advertisers, sponsors, and/or affiliates that may contribute advertisements or other information on our pages.
SmallSector.com is not a registered securities broker, dealer, advisor, and is not licensed to give financial advice, buy/sell/hold recommendations, or anything in the nature of financial and/or investment advice.
Stock-Sector.com and its affiliates, members, and staff does not and cannot warrant the completeness, timeliness, or accuracy of the news, services or products found on any of its pages or related sites. Data and information is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only, and is not intended for trading purposes. NEVER invest based solely on our alerts.