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SYDNEY - The Mater Hospital in North Sydney has implemented Steriwave nasal photodisinfection therapy in its oncology program to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in cancer care, Ondine Biomedical Inc. announced Tuesday.
The non-antibiotic treatment uses a light-activated photosensitive agent to eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses and fungi in nasal passages within five minutes, including antibiotic-resistant strains.
Cancer patients face heightened infection risks due to compromised immune systems and frequent healthcare exposure. According to recent studies cited in the announcement, hospitalized cancer patients experience 1.5 to 2 times higher rates of AMR infections than other inpatients, while outpatients with cancer show up to 3 times higher rates of AMR pathogens.
For patients with hematologic malignancies, AMR infections occur in up to 35% of cases and correlate with increased mortality.
"We are pleased to collaborate with Professor Boyle and the Mater team to bring Steriwave to people battling cancer," said Carolyn Cross, CEO of Ondine Biomedical. "This marks an important step in expanding Steriwave's role beyond surgical and ICU settings into broader cancer care."
The Mater Hospital is part of St Vincent's Health Australia, operating as a not-for-profit facility with the Patricia Ritchie Centre for Cancer Care and Research.
The announcement highlighted that unlike antibiotics, Steriwave works immediately and allows normal nasal microbiome recovery without fostering antimicrobial resistance.
Ondine Biomedical, listed on London's AIM market (AIM:OBI), is a Canadian life sciences company focused on developing light-activated infection prevention therapies that don't rely on antibiotics.
The company's statement emphasized that implementing preventive technologies like Steriwave in oncology care could help protect cancer patients while easing pressures on healthcare systems amid rising global antimicrobial resistance.
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