SolasCure, a biotechnology company that is dedicated to working towards filling the current market gap in debridement – the removal of necrotic tissue to encourage healing – and healing solutions for chronic wounds has announced a partnership with the US Army’s Institute of Surgical Research (USAISR).

The partnership aims to improve the current solutions around treatment of wounds and wound care in combat situations. An investigational product derived from medical maggots (see Five Facts on page 18 for more), the Aurase Wound Gel, produced by SolasCure, will be evaluated during the collaboration. The development of the gel is still underway, with goals including debridement and wound bed preparation. Plans to begin two non-clinical projects are also currently developing, and include the aims of reducing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and pseudomonas aeruginosa both in vitro and in vivo. MRSA and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections are difficult to treat and damage tissue due to their production of enzymes and toxins, according to the press release.

Chief executive officer of SolasCure Lee Harle, commented, “It is an honour that the US military, one of the most prestigious and impressive institutions globally, has identified our technology and chosen to support its ongoing development. We look forward to the outcome of the projects to assess the suitability of Aurase Wound Gel for managing biofilm and bioburden in prolonged combat situations."

The premier research laboratory for improving the care of combat casualties is currently the USAISR, and the partnership with wound-care specialist SolasCure could see development of Aurase Wound Gel impacting highly challenging combat conditions.