Next Science reports potential anti-inflammatory benefits from Xperience in knee study

Medical technology company Next Science (ASX: NXS) has announced the findings of a pilot knee study which used its proprietary Xbio suite of products to reduce the impact of post-operative biofilm-based infections.

The double-arm randomised study was led by American orthopaedic surgeon Dr Andrew Wickline using 60 patients who had undergone a total knee arthroplasty.

The first group of 30 patients received a 3-minute sterile dilute iodine lavage (which is the current industry standard), while the second group received Next Science’s advanced surgical irrigation solution Xperience.

Each patient was measured between 42 hours and 72 hours following their operation and then at weekly intervals through to six weeks post-operation.

Lower inflammation rate

The study demonstrated a 54% lower inflammation rate within 14 days of using Xperience compared to the common reference standard, as determined by Lloyd standardised curves.

It showed the patient group dropped below Lloyd’s 90th percentile by the end of the second week, which was reported to potentially be the lowest inflammation rate among US surgeons.

The study concluded that the lower inflammation outcome resulted in a consistent 5-degree increase in range of motion throughout the study period; up to 20% improvement in pain score; and an 18% lower opioid usage for pain relief one week after surgery, improving to 70% less usage by the six-week mark.

Xperience patients were reported to have eliminated their opiate use in half the time of patients in the control group.

Additionally, 14% fewer patients required mobility assistance by a device at the end of the first week post-surgery, improving to 57% fewer patients needing assistance by three weeks.

Pleased with results

Dr Wickline said he was “extremely pleased” with the study results.

“It appears we have found another tool for reducing inflammation, improving a patient’s post-operative experience and accelerating their return to normal function,” he said.

“I look forward to broadening the research to a wider group of surgeons and patients.”

Expanded application

Next Science said the findings suggest potential for an expanded application beyond reducing biofilm-based infection rates.

“This presents as a commercially-significant opportunity where surgeons and hospitals see the necessity of using Xperience to improve patient outcomes, reduce healthcare costs and health system financial performance,” the company said.

“We expect the findings from this pilot study will assist with the value assessment process in larger hospital groups to approve the adoption and use of Xperience.”

Infection prevention

Next Science’s infection prevention products serve a $15 billion market in the US.

The suite of products includes Xperience, BlastX (an antimicrobial wound gel), SurgX (for the prevention of surgical site infection) and BactiSure wound lavage.

The company said Xperience was positioned to become the standard of care in hip and knee replacement surgeries.

Infections and resistance

Industry research shows biofilm-based infections and antimicrobial resistance are on the rise, leading to increased hospital visits, re-admissions and healthcare costs.

These resistant forms of bacterial infections are difficult to eradicate and have resulted in 17 million US patients per year being treated for a biofilm-related infection with an estimated $143 billion in annual direct costs in the US alone.

If left unchecked, resistant infections are expected to result in greater mortality rates than cancer by 2050.