Silantis was established as a follow-up to the research of Professor Havaslat Bianco-Feld on the mechanism of the infection of algae
Silantis, a private startup from the Technion, reports that a eighth patient was treated with Seal-V, a blood vessel sealer that mimics algae infections. This is the company's first clinical study. Seal-V is a protein-free material, designed to address existing limitations and challenges in controlling bleeding during surgery. It is expected to receive CE Mark (approval for marketing in Europe) this year.
The clinical study, which is being conducted in Israel, is designed to test the safety and effectiveness of Seal-V in stopping bleeding in large peripheral blood vessels.
Silantis is a six-year-old start-up company based at the Technion, which was founded by Professor Havshelat Binanko-Feld, a world-renowned expert in biomedical polymers.
Since the beginning of the previous decade, Professor Bianco-Feld from the Faculty of Chemical Engineering has been researching the mechanism of adhesion of algae to rocks under water. The research revealed the chemical composition of the algae glue, but only when Prof. Bianco-Feld developed a biomimetic glue that mimics the algae glue, it was actually possible to harness the power of nature for practical and commercial purposes.
In 2007, the invention was adopted by the Alfred Mann Institute at the Technion, which finances the company. Although the technology has application potential in a wide spectrum of industrial fields, Silantis was decided to focus on urgent medical goals - controlling the leakage of body fluids from surgical incisions or injuries. Such leaks can be fatal, since stitches and staples are not completely liquid-tight. "Sealing surgical incisions requires gluing to a wet or damp surface - a challenge that most known adhesives do not meet." Professor Bianco-Feld explains.
Surgical seals are a more than $14 billion market, growing at an annual rate of XNUMX%. "When I look at the market, it is clear to me that there is currently no single winning solution," says Dr. Zeev Gilkis, director of the Amit Institute and chairman of Silantis. "There are several good products, but each of them has shortcomings, or limitations for specific indications. Silantis presents a versatile yet simple technology that may meet clinical needs that currently have no solution."
Currently, Silantis is focused on planning the PMA study (regulatory pathway for the approval of medical products in the US) and obtaining FDA approval for Seal-V, and is working to create strategic partnerships for the upcoming product launch.
Silentis Develops an exclusive technological platform of tissue adhesives for a variety of uses and medical needs in the areas of sealing leaks, adhesion and drug release. Silantis adhesives are protein-free and have an extraordinary ability to adhere well to tissues, even in a wet environment. Silentis was founded in 2007 by Prof. Havslet Bianco-Feld and is funded by the Alfred Mann Institute at the Technion-Amit.
The Alfred Mann Institute at the Technion - Amit - leads the development and commercialization of biomedical technologies invented by Technion researchers. The institute was established in 2006 by the Technion and Dr. Alfred Mann, an American entrepreneur and philanthropist, and strives to bridge the gap between academic research and commercial success. The institute currently manages four initiatives, among them Silantis Ltd.