Accelerating Healthcare Innovation: Vitec Microgenix Ltd and the Pentre Awel Project
Healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) remain a significant global challenge, exacerbated by the growing threat of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). These infections compromise patient safety and impose substantial financial burdens on healthcare systems.
Addressing this pressing issue, Vitec Microgenix Ltd (VML) has developed two innovative solutions: VSC1000, an antimicrobial surface coating, and V-MASS, an advanced air purification system. Both technologies provide continuous microbial protection and have demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing HCAI rates. A pilot trial at Morriston Hospital in Swansea focused on orthopaedic wards, where the implementation of these technologies resulted in a 27% reduction in HCAI rates over 12 months. These findings underscore the potential impact of VML’s innovations in real-world healthcare settings.
The project was funded through the Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) from Carmarthenshire Council, with key support from Network members, Healthcare Technology Centre (HTC) within Swansea University. HTC played a pivotal role in navigating the complexities of healthcare innovation, including stakeholder engagement, grant acquisition, and expert collaboration. HTC facilitated connections with key partners across academia, healthcare, and government, identified funding opportunities to support the clinical validation of VML’s technologies, and leveraged contributions from Swansea Bay University Health Board, Swansea Trials Unit, Public Health Wales, and leading academics in Infection Prevention & Control, Health Economics, and Analytical Chemistry.
With HTC’s guidance, VML applied for a grant to support for the next phase – a large-scale clinical trial to validate the technology further. HTC facilitated introductions to the Swansea Trials Unit and provided crucial assistance in grant writing and project management, enhancing VML’s ability to navigate regulatory approval processes and prepare for commercial readiness.
Following the promising outcomes, Vitec Microgenix has secured a Phase 1 Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) Healthcare award to design a large-scale clinical trial. This next phase will be led by Swansea Trials Unit, in collaboration with the Healthcare Technology Centre (HTC) at Swansea University, Swansea Bay University Health Board, Public Health Wales, and leading experts in infection prevention, health economics, and analytical chemistry.
Scott Perkins, CEO of Vitec Microgenix Ltd.:
“Our work with the Healthcare Technology Centre began in 2022, under the ACCELERATE programme. The SPF funding has enabled us to continue our collaboration with HTC, moving our technology to the next stage of development—a clinical trial. The support we have received has been invaluable.”
Dr. Anthony Horlock, Innovation Technologist, HTC:
“This collaboration exemplifies the core mission of HTC. It is a prime example of how industry, academia, and healthcare professionals can unite to tackle critical challenges in infection prevention. By working together, we are leveraging diverse expertise to create innovative healthcare solutions that have the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes.”
The partnership between Vitec Microgenix Ltd. and the Healthcare Technology Centre showcases the power of cross-sector collaboration in addressing urgent healthcare challenges. With ongoing support from HTC and the success of the initial pilot trial, VML is well-positioned to scale its solutions and make a lasting impact in the fight against healthcare-associated infections.
