INNOVATIVE COMPANIES | BIOTECHNOLOGY AND LIFE SCIENCES
In his 35 years as a surgeon, Brown University professor and emeritus director of orthopedic trauma at Rhode Island Hospital, Dr. Christopher Born, noticed a pervasive problem with prosthetic liners used to merge prosthetic limbs to patients. The chafing of skin cells and collection of debris and bacterial byproducts caused a noticeable, pungent odor. The warm environment created a haven for bacteria. Because of this, amputees were at greater risk of ulceration, inflammation and in some cases, the need for additional amputation.
“Innovation is ultimately the ability to see a challenge and find a unique way of solving it,” said James Wagner, CEO and president of BI Medical LLC.
With the lead of scientist and entrepreneur Dr. John Jarrell, Born set out to create a coating for the inside of prosthetic liners that would minimize odor. They needed to balance different factors, including uniform dispersion of the active ingredients, acceptable drying time, durability, ease of use and affordability. “The team was able to develop a chemistry that fit each of the requirements,” noted Wagner.
“Apocrine is a simple, easy-to-use liquid cleaner, decontaminant and deodorizer supplied in a single-use applicator. … Apocrine decontaminates the prosthetic liner and minimizes or eliminates odor for two weeks and may last longer depending on concentration,” he said.
With more than 1.8 million lower-leg amputees in the United States, BI Medical predicts a significant market opportunity. The company has slated a limited launch of Apocrine for the fourth quarter of 2017.
“Short term, BI Medical is focusing on the initial launch of the Apocrine and raising the capital,” said Wagner. Subsequently, the company “expects to build a profitable enterprise that will be in a position to innovate additional products that mitigate or solve the tremendous challenges that amputees face.”
