Infections are severe medical complications, resulting in significant impairment of tissue healing processes, a growing challenge as life expectancy increases. Antibiotics are the golden standard for treatment, yet it promotes antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
In EU/EEA, around 33 000 people die per ywar as consequence of bacterial infections resistant to antibiotics, and AMR costs the EU healthcare system €1,1 billion per year.
AMR-HyMeCar aims to consolidate a team of researchers with the expertise needed to develop novel treatment strategies for chronic wounds. Patients with chronic wounds are consuming astronomic amounts of antimicrobial drugs, fueling the rapid development of antimicrobial drug resistance. Thus, novel solutions for chronic wound treatment will both have immense impact on the clinical outcome for a challenging segment of the patient population. In parallel it will also leviate the selective pressure driving drug resistance development, and potentially also deliver antimicrobial treatment strategies with potential use in other segments of the health care industry.
Specifically, the consortium seeks to reducing infection risks and promoting tissue regeneration with innovative technology. This involves injectable and printable biodegradable 4D hydrogels that deliver therapeutic agents at precise times during healing. This unique solution is currently unavailable in clinics, offers less pain, shorter hospital stays, and cost savings. Free from traditional antibiotics and effective with a single dose, it is suitable for both high- and low-resource settings, addressing a major AMR cause.
AMR-HyMeCar's interdisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive assessment and regulatory compliance, targeting a Technology Readiness Level 6 with evaluations in large animal models. Plans for market readiness and economic sustainability post-grant are also in place, benefiting society and the economy.