Targeted biofilm prevention

Prevent, treat and destroy biofilms by targeting the immune system

  • Minimizes biofilm infections
  • Proof of concept in animal models

 

Licensing Manager: Matt Boehm, PhD
mboehm@unmc.edu or 402-536-9881
 

Description

Prevent, treat and destroy biofilms by targeting the immune system

Tammy Kielian, PhD, Professor of Pathology, Dept. of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center

Tammy Kielian, PhD

More than a million cases of hospital-acquired infections can be traced to biofilm, a slimy coating of microbes that can form on medical devices and implants.
 

Biofilm infections are notoriously difficult to treat without removing or replacing the infected medical device. Treatment is further hindered by the development of antibacterial resistant strains of microbes.
 

But researchers at the University of Nebraska Medical Center have discovered a new way to combat device-related infections. Rather than pursue traditional routes of treatment with antibiotics, Dr. Tammy Kielian has discovered a method to prevent, treat and destroy biofilms that adhere to implanted medical devices.
 

Dr. Tammy Kielian has discovered that the inhibition of a certain population of cells known as myeloid-derived suppressor cells, enhances the ability of the body’s immune system to attack and clear biofilms.
 

By targeting a patient’s own cells, rather than using antibiotics, this approach may also help decrease the likelihood of developing antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
 

To discuss licensing opportunities please contact Matt Boehm, PhD, at mboehm@unmc.edu or 402-536-9881.