Medical device firm invests in German bio-med startup
Biocomposites, a Staffordshire-based medical device company specialising in infection management for bone and soft tissue, has announced a minority investment in InfectoTest GmbH, a Berlin-based bio-med startup.
InfectoTest is developing innovative point-of-care systems for diagnosing infectious diseases.
One of their key products in development, InfectoSynovia, is a rapid test that can detect periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) in under five minutes with high accuracy.
In the U.S. alone, the number of hip and knee replacements is expected to quadruple in the next 10 to 20 years, with PJI affecting over 2% of these patients, making it the leading cause of revision surgeries.
Michael Harris, chief executive officer of Biocomposites, said: “Periprosthetic joint infection is a large and growing problem worldwide. Quickly and accurately pinpointing the bacteria that cause each infection is essential if patients are to receive the best care and maximise their chances of full recovery.
“Our investment in InfectoTest GmbH, reaffirms our commitment to providing and investing in a comprehensive range of products for the management of infection in bone and soft tissue.”
Svetlana Karbysheva, MD, PhD., managing director of InfectoTest, said: “Our InfectoSynovia test has the potential to revolutionise the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection. With the backing of Biocomposites, which has deep expertise in the management of infection in bone and soft tissue, and a significant global distribution network, InfectoTest will now be able to develop this essential test faster and bring it to clinicians and their patients sooner.”
