Biocomposites, an international medical devices company that engineers, manufactures, and markets products for infection management in bone and soft tissue, has taken a minority-share interest in InfectoTest GmbH (InfectoTest), a biomedical company based in Berlin that is developing innovative point-of-care systems for the diagnosis of infectious diseases.
 
InfectoSynovia is one of InfectoTest’s lead products that is currently in development. It is a rapid and high-accuracy test that will detect a periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in less than five minutes.
 
Michael Harris, Chief Executive Officer of Biocomposites, said: “Periprosthetic joint infection is a large and growing problem worldwide. Quickly and accurately pinpointing the bacteria that cause each infection is essential if patients are to receive the best care and maximize their chances of full recovery. Our investment in InfectoTest GmbH, reaffirms our commitment to providing and investing in a comprehensive range of products for the management of infection in bone and soft tissue.”
 
InfectoSynovia aims to dramatically reduce the diagnosis time to less than five minutes and provide outstanding sensitivity and specificity, using a sample as small as 50 microliters (µl) of synovial fluid.
 
The test uses a unique method of electrochemical analysis, which is aided by software that can help give precise interpretation of results and will be capable of detecting low-grade and culture-negative infections.
 
Svetlana Karbysheva, MD, PhD., Managing Director of InfectoTest, commented: “Our InfectoSynovia test has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection. With the backing of Biocomposites, which has deep expertise in the management of infection in bone and soft tissue, and a significant global distribution network, InfectoTest will now be able to develop this essential test faster and bring it to clinicians and their patients sooner.”