TORONTO—Fresenius Medical Care has signed a deal to evaluate Interface Biologics Inc.’s Endexo technology, which is an alternative to heparin coatings used to prevent thrombus in medical devices.
Under the agreement, Fresenius will evaluate the use and efficacy of IBI's Endexo technology to various components of Fresenius’ dialysis circuits for treating end-stage renal disease, including dialyzers and blood lines.
After the evaluation, Fresenius will have the option to obtain an exclusive, worldwide license to incorporate the Endexo technology.
Endexo is a self-locating bio-medical polymer additive that results in a passivating surface that reduces platelet adhesion and activation, protein adsorption and thrombus formation on medical devices.
"We have been impressed with what we have seen of the Endexo technology to date,” said Conor Curtin, senior vice president, Research and Development, Fresenius Medical Care North America. “We believe that the Endexo technology may further improve the biocompatibility of our products, leading to additional medical benefits. We look forward to working with the Interface Biologics team."
IBI is an early-commercial-stage privately held company with a primary technology focus in anti-thrombogenic devices that reduce thrombosis without the need for heparin.
"A commercial agreement like this, with the leading player in the dialysis market, further underscores the capability and viability of the IBI biomedical polymer technology in general and our Endexo product platform in particular" said Tom Reeves, president and CEO of Interface Biologics. "Our primary objective is to bring innovative, safer and more efficacious medical devices to market and we are pleased to be working with Fresenius Medical Care in developing and commercializing Endexo enhanced dialysis products."
