Surfassure

Antimicrobial innovation that outlasts resistance of biomaterial-associated infections.

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At a glance

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    Development stage

    Prototype developed

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    Investment stage

    Don't know / not relevant

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    UNSW affiliation

    Staff research or technology

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    Technology readiness level

    TRL-6

Why invest
Surfassure’s antimicrobial coatings kill bacteria on contact and reduce resistance risk. Its lead agent has passed Phase 3 trials, backed by deep expertise in medical devices & antimicrobial research.

Antimicrobial coatings to combat the rise of drug-resistant bacteria.

Drug-resistant bacteria are a global health crisis projected to cost AUD154 trillion by 2050. Our pioneering coatings have completed successful tests in animal models and Phase 3 clinical trials. Surfassure focuses on delivering targeted treatments to high-risk infection areas, such as medical devices.

Investment categories

Healthcare & med tech

  • Surfassure is revitalising the antibiotic pipeline by developing a novel class of antimicrobial agents that kill pathogenic bacteria on contact while minimising the risk of resistance. Its technology is applied in the form of coatings for biomaterials and medical devices. This formulation enables targeted protection at high-risk infection sites, such as contact lenses, catheters, and other implanted devices.

    • The global medical devices market (valued at AUD770 billion) is responsible for 50% of hospital-acquired infections and biofilms on devices fuel antimicrobial resistance.
    • Biomaterial-associated infections lead to implant failures and re-hospitalisations.
    • There is a need for long-lasting antimicrobial biomaterials that prevent infection from day one.
    • Biomedical device companies and contact lens manufacturers aiming to reduce infection rates
    • Healthcare companies aiming to bring new products to market to improve patient outcomes
    • Clinical evaluation: completed Phase III clinical trials with antimicrobial coated contact lenses
    • Total funding: AUD14.5 million from grants (ARC, NHMRC), > AUD2 million from industry
    • Biotech partnerships: Whiteley Corporation, Cochlear Limited, EcoAid, Alcon, CooperVision, Bosch + Lomb

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