DefenCath™: Reducing Life-Threatening Dialysis Infections

Monday - May 8 2023, 23:18 UTC - 1 year ago

DefenCath™ is a Cormedix formulation of taurolidine and heparin that can reduce dialysis infections for those using catheter lock solutions, saving the lives of tens of thousands of people a year in the USA, Europe, and beyond. It looks to be an effective solution to greatly reduce the occurrence of infections of those dialyzing with catheters and its FDA approval further increases access to its benefits.

Brian Wang, Nextbigfuture, interviewed Joseph Todicso, CEO of Cormedix. DefenCath™ is Cormedix formulation of taurolidine and heparin that will greatly reduce dialysis infections for those using catheter lock solutions. It is trying to greatly reduce the risk of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) from central venous catheters (CVCs).

These infections are one of the most frequent, deadly, and expensive complications of using catheters for dialysis. While CVCs comprise only ~20% of vascular-access types among the prevalent hemodialysis patients, they account for ~70% of CRBSIs.

There are about 500,000 people in the USA in dialysis and about 100,000 who are on catheter dialysis. DefenCath™ can potentially help the lives of tens of thousands of people each year in the USA, Europe and other places.

The risk of CRBSIs increases linearly with the duration of catheter use. One large observational study estimates the cumulative risk of CRBSIs to be 54% at six months and 79% at 12 months post-first-ever tunneled dialysis catheter placement.

Those who do not get an infection have a 75% chance lasting one year on catheter dialysis while those who get an infection have about a 55% chance of lasting one year. The added months or years would be healthier and could enable more patients to be live healthy and get a transplant.

If a patient gets an infection they not only would have a shorter and less healthy life but they would also be disqualified for a kidney transplant. This can potentially lead to longer and healthier lives for tens of thousands of people in America and beyond that depend on dialysis.

DefenCath™ looks to be an effective solution to greatly reduce the occurrence of infections of those dialyzing with catheters. With its FDA approval, many more people than ever before will have access to a safe and effective solution to prolong their and their loved ones’ lives.