Accentus Medical, a UK-based company that develops and applies advanced coatings and surface treatments to a wide range of medical devices, has announced that the first medical device to incorporate its Agluna silver anti-infective technology has received a European CE mark. The METS modular tumor replacement system manufactured by Stanmore Implants Worldwide is used for massive tumor replacement and limb salvage devices. Following the award of the CE mark, the system will also be available with the Agluna surface treatment option.

Agluna is a novel, patented surface modification technology applied to medical devices manufactured from several metals, including titanium and its various alloys. The goal of the technology is to reduce infection rates following surgical procedures. Medical device materials are susceptible to rapid colonisation by bacteria, which then surround themselves with a plaque or biofilm as protection against the body’s immune defences. According to Accentus, implants treated with Agluna technology have been shown to remain clear of such biofilm formation, thereby reducing the incidence of serious postoperative, device-related infection.

Philip Agg, chief executive of Accentus Medical, says, “The award of a CE mark to a device incorporating Agluna is an important indicator of the broader potential of the technology, and we are pleased to have worked closely with Stanmore Implants to achieve this major step in our development.

Brian Steer, executive chairman of Stanmore, adds, “With infection being a major burden on the healthcare system and often leading to avoidable amputations, we are delighted to secure approval for our silver-treated METS system. There is increasing evidence to support silver’s anti-microbial properties and incorporating it into our METS system puts Stanmore in a very strong competitive position. We expect to see demand rapidly increase and we look forward to working with doctors around the world to help improve the lives of patients.”

Agg says that Accentus Medical is now poised to work with Zimmer, Inc, a global market leader in musculoskeletal care, to further develop this technology for the global hip and knee market. “We have also initiated studies in disciplines such as cardiovascular medicine and neurosurgery aimed at placing Agluna at the heart of infection control beyond the orthopaedic sector.” Martin Pickford, senior vice president of business development for Accentus Medical, says, “Infection following implant surgery can be challenging, costly, and time consuming to treat. Prevention of infection at the outset is a highly attractive solution for both patents and clinicians. Data generated from clinical usage of custom made tumor replacement implants at two major UK orthopedic oncology centers since 2006 has demonstrated how the Agluna technology can help in realizing this solution.”