Throughout history copper has been used to help treat various medical issues. Dating back as far as 2000BC the ancient Egyptians utilized copper to sterilize wounds and treat itching. The Greeks (400BC) used copper oxide to treat leg ulcers and to prevent infection, and the Romans (1st century) also used copper oxide for chronic skin ulcers.
In today's world, Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI) such as MRSA or Staph, and treating and preventing wounds (such as diabetic ulcers or pressure ulcers) are significant global issues. In the U.S. alone the annual cost of HA's is over $28B, claiming over 100,000 lives. And globally, more than $14B is spent on wound care products with over $5mil individuals in the U.S. suffering from a chronic wound.
Cupron is working with partners to address these and other significant healthcare issues. Therefore, for the medical marketplace we are focused on working with our business partners in projects designed to 1) to help reduce HAI’s (or nosocomial infections) and related costs in healthcare facilities, and 2) to help improve healing/quality of life for specific patient groups, by integrating the proven anti-microbial, anti-infective, skin enhancement, and wound healing properties of copper oxide into a wide range of potential medical device applications.
Reducing Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI’s)
In addi
tion to helping healthcare facilities reduce HAI’s and their related costs, Cupron Technology also has potential to help provide protection to healthcare workers and patients by reducing the chance of cross contamination through deactivating a broad spectrum of infection causing microbes (bacteria, viruses, and fungus). Cupron Technology can be embedded in a variety of woven and non-woven fabrics to potentially combat disease spread: Healthcare garments and uniforms, bedding and linens, patient room furniture and accessories, N95 respirators and masks, filters, medical devices such as catheters, stents and surgical tools.
Wound Healing Potential
Cupron Technology has the potential to help reduce healthcare expenses by improving the healing of difficult wounds / skin conditions, by preventing certain wounds / skin conditions from occurring, and by reducing medications required during the healing process. Cupron Technology can be embedded in a variety of potential woven and non-woven fabrics to enhance skin health and wound closure: Compression garments & sleeves, Diabetic socks, anti-fungal socks, wound care products( gauze, advanced dressings, bandages, sutures).