Nomir Medical wins 2nd US patent on anti-bacterial technology for dental apps

Jan. 9, 2009

JANUARY 9, 2009--Nomir Medical Technologies (Waltham, MA), developer of optical energy technologies for medical applications, has won a US patent that further protects its core Noveon technology. The Noveon photo-biologically targets bacterial and fungal infections while preserving healthy tissue and promoting recovery. The patent allows for use of near-infrared photo-inactivation with the Noveon dual-wavelength device to kill bacteria in flexible root canal dispersion tips.

JANUARY 9, 2009-- The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has granted Nomir Medical Technologies (Waltham, MA), developer of optical energy technologies for medical applications, a central patent that further protects its core Noveon technology. The Noveon is a light-based system that photo-biologically targets elimination of bacterial and fungal infections with near infrared (NIR) light while preserving healthy tissue and promoting recovery.

This patent (#7,470,124) protects photo-inactivation and eradication of microorganisms through a suite of flexible root canal dispersion tips.

"The granting of this patent further differentiates Nomir as a photobiology company, as the Noveon's unique action spectrum is proven safe, and is well beyond the mutagenic ultraviolet or photo-thermal ablative wavelengths and power ranges traditionally used for anti-infective indications," said Nomir Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Eric Bornstein. "We expect this technology will aid the dental community in root canal disinfection procedures, ultimately making root canal procedure outcomes more predictable and successful. To date, Nomir has conducted six different IRB human studies with Nomir's unique and proprietary technologies, which have demonstrated promising results in the areas of onychomycosis, MRSA infection and periodontal disease."

The company is in active discussions with strategic corporate partners for the commercialization of this technology in dental markets, added President and CEO Richard Burtt. "Nomir is committed to continuing to build a strong patent portfolio for its Noveon system, including our core focus areas, onychomycosis and MRSA," he said.

In November 2007, Nomir received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to use its clinical versions of the Noveon system during contact and non-contact surgical procedures of the skin, subcutaneous tissues and nasal passages in dermatology, plastic surgery, podiatry, and otolaryngology. In December 2008, Nomir received its second 510(k) clearance to apply the advanced Noveon system for the same indications with enhanced ease and simple operational aspects, and eliminating the requirement for a physician to operate the system in most states.

The Noveon is designed to effect near-infrared photo-damage and photo-inactivation of bacteria and fungi at energies and temperatures that are safe to normal and healthy tissue. Nomir recently presented detailed data from an IRB MRSA human study at the Termis North America Annual Conference and Exhibition in San Diego and initiated the FDA pivotal study of its Noveon device for the onychomycosis indication in May 2008, an integral step for FDA clearance of the application.

More information:
Nomir Medical Technologies

Posted by Barbara G. Goode, [email protected].