Development of B-Lock, an antibiofilm catheter lock product

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Increasing use of intravascular (IV) catheters put patients at risk for catheter occlusion as well as systemic infections. Failure to prevent and treat device-related infections is due to the ability of microorganisms (fungi and bacteria) to produce biofilms, resulting in catheter-associated infection and occlusion. Biofilms formed on catheters are complex structures composed of host-derived fibrin deposits and stranding as well as pathogen- derived, extracellular polys accharide-rich matrix. There is a significant unmet need to prevent and treat biofilm- related infections. To address this unmet need, in this SBIR application, we will develop and commercialize an antibiofilm product that possesses anti-biofilm and anti-c oagulation/anti-catheter occlusion properties. Our product, B-LockTM, discovered using our previously established in vitro and in vivo assays meets the above criteria. We demonstrated that B-LockTM has broad-spectrum activity against biofilms formed by cli nically relevant pathogens, both in vitro and in vivo, and also possesses anti-coagulant activity. Since the last submission, we successfully identified six prototype formulations that remained physically and chemically stable for several months, showed th at clinical candidate was active against biofilms in vitro and in vivo, including biofilms formed by fluconazole-resistant C. albicans and C. parapsilosis, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE). In this Fast-Track SBIR application, we propose a two-phase plan to develop B-LockTM as a product directed at prevention and treatment of CRBSIs and occlusion. Phase 1 of this SBIR application describes in vivo efficacy testing, stability testing, toxicolog y and compatibility studies, while Phase 2 details a clinical trial to test the safety and efficacy of B-LockTM. PHASE 1 SPECIFIC AIMS: The objective of Phase 1 of this Fast-Track application is to perform expanded in vivo efficacy testing, evaluate the in vitro activity of B-LockTM against biofilms formed by drug-resistant microorganisms, and determine the long-term stability of the clinical candidate. Furthermore, we will also evaluate the safety profile of B-LockTM and determine its compatibility with c atheter material. The following specific aims are proposed: Aim 1. Determine efficacy of clinical B-LockTM formulation in vivo. Aim 2. Evaluate long-term stability of B-LockTM. Aim 3. Evaluate the in vitro activity of B-LockTM against biofilms formed by dr ug-resistant microorganisms. Aim 4. Demonstrate that B-LockTM is safe and non-toxic in vivo. Aim 5. Demonstrate compatibility of B-LockTM with catheter materials. PHASE 2 SPECIFIC AIM. Conduct a randomized, double-blind clinical trial to evaluate B-LockTM solution compared with heparin lock solution in the preservation of in-dwelling catheter sterility and potency in patients receiving chemotherapy for hematologic malignancies. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Central venous catheters (CVCs) are essential t ools for the appropriate treatment and support of patients with life-threatening diseases such as cancer and end-stage kidney failure. However, intravascular catheters put patients at risk for systemic infections, which are caused by microbial biofilms for med within the catheter lumens. In this Fast-Track SBIR application, we propose a two-phase plan to develop an antibiofilm and anticoagulant product (B-LockTM) directed at prevention and treatment of CVC-associated infections and occlusion.