Multidrug-Resistant Candida auris and Aspergillus fumigatus Eradicated by Ondine Biomedical’s antimicrobial Photodisinfection

Vancouver, BC Canada, April 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ondine Biomedical Inc. announced today that its antimicrobial Photodisinfection Therapy (aPDT) successfully eradicated in laboratory testing all multidrug-resistant Candida auris strains from clinical isolates supplied by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This finding follows the recent acceptance by the International Photodynamic Association (IPA) 2019 World Congress of an abstract demonstrating eradication of Aspergillus fumigatus infection in vivo.

Aspergillus fumigatus, a fungus associated with invasive fungal sinusitis (IFS), is a potentially lethal pathogen to patients with weakened immune systems. Candida auris is an emerging fungus described by the CDC as a “serious global health threat” because it can cause invasive infections associated with high mortality rates, is often resistant to multiple classes of antifungal drugs, and is difficult to identify with standard laboratory methods.

“Demonstrating efficacy of this magnitude against extremely resistant fungal species in vitro and in in vivo models is a key step in accelerating our antifungal pipeline,” said Carolyn Cross, CEO of Ondine. “We are acutely aware of the need to bring new and potent approaches to bear in the fight against drug-resistant organisms. FDA has recognized Ondine's unique drug-device combination as a promising treatment for qualified pathogens under the GAIN program.” The purpose of GAIN is to promote the development of new antibacterial and antifungal drugs against pathogens that pose a serious threat to public health.

About Candida auris

Identified first in 2009 in Japan, C. auris infections have been reported from over 20 countries around the world, including the United States. C. auris infections can be invasive and deadly. Frequently multidrug resistant, C. auris is difficult to identify with standard laboratory methods and has been the cause of major outbreaks in healthcare settings. Unlike other Candida species, C. auris is hardy and can live on skin and surfaces, including bedrails and chairs, for a month or longer, allowing it to spread easily in healthcare settings. According to the CDC, "Most strains detected so far have been resistant to at least one drug, and more than one-third were resistant to two drug classes. Particularly concerning, some strains have been found to be resistant to all three drug classes used to treat fungal infections. This level of resistance has never been seen in other Candida infections. C. auris has high potential to cause outbreaks in healthcare facilities."

About Photodisinfection

Ondine’s Photodisinfection is a powerful new alternative in the fight against drug-resistant infections. This patented, light-activated antimicrobial kills drug-resistant bacteria, viruses, and fungi, including those in biofilms, in minutes. Because Photodisinfection is effective against such a broad spectrum of pathogens, expensive and time-consuming pathogen identification is not required. Photodisinfection kills microbes through oxidative disruption of the microbial cell membrane with no known adverse effects to human epithelial tissue or mucosa. Microbes are unable to resist or adapt to this treatment.

Ondine’s Photodisinfection is a powerful new alternative in the fight against drug-resistant infections. This patented, light-activated antimicrobial kills drug-resistant bacteria, viruses, and fungi, including those in biofilms, in minutes. Because Photodisinfection is effective against such a broad spectrum of pathogens, expensive and time-consuming pathogen identification is not required. Photodisinfection kills microbes through oxidative disruption of the microbial cell membrane with no known adverse effects to human epithelial tissue or mucosa. Microbes are unable to resist or adapt to this treatment.

Ondine’s Photodisinfection technology was recently granted Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) designation as well as Fast Track status by the FDA for its nasal MRSA decolonization indication. The technology has been deployed at leading Canadian hospitals for several years, demonstrating significant and sustained reduction of healthcare-associated infections as well as major pharmacoeconomic benefits to the hospital and to the patient.

About Ondine Biomedical Inc.

Ondine Biomedical Inc. is dedicated to the development of treatment and prevention therapies for a broad-spectrum of multidrug-resistant bacterial, viral and fungal infections. Ondine's antimicrobial program utilizes a platform technology called Photodisinfection, a light-activated approach being developed to provide rapid antimicrobial efficacy without elevating risk of resistance. In addition to Ondine’s universal nasal Photodisinfection therapy, other applications of the Photodisinfection platform are under development, including treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis, treatment of burns and wounds, and disinfection of endotracheal tubes to reduce the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia.