Ondine Biomedical upbeat on cost-saving potential of Steriwave product

9th Apr 2025 13:28

(Sharecast News) - Ondine Biomedical said in an update on Wednesday that a new health economic analysis by the York Health Economics Consortium (YHEC) supported significant cost-saving potential from its 'Steriwave' nasal decolonisation technology in reducing surgical site infections across major surgeries in the UK.

The AIM-traded firm said the study found that using Steriwave prior to surgery could save UK hospitals, including the NHS, up to £200m annually.

It claimed that for every pound spent on the technology, hospitals could save between £1.49 and £2.38, depending on the costing method applied.

The analysis covered multiple surgical categories including hip, knee, spinal, cardiac, and vascular procedures.

Using micro-costing methodologies, YHEC estimated savings of £38,180 per 1,000 patients, equating to £1.49 saved per £1 spent.

A broader literature-based analysis indicated even greater benefits, Ondine claimed, with net savings of £107,530 per 1,000 patients and a return of £2.38 for every £1 spent.

It said that cardiac surgeries demonstrated the highest cost-saving potential, with estimated net savings of £228,090 per 1,000 patients, equivalent to a return of £3.92 per £1 invested.

Hip and knee surgeries also showed strong economic benefit, generating net savings of approximately £86,650 and £84,430 per 1,000 patients respectively, or around £2.10 saved per £1 spent.

Ondine said the findings reinforced the economic case for wider adoption of Steriwave as hospitals looked to reduce the incidence and cost burden of surgical site infections.

"In an era where healthcare systems face unprecedented challenges with resource constraints, lengthy waitlists, and budgetary pressures, infection prevention is paramount for both cost containment and patient well-being," said chief executive officer Carolyn Cross.

"While the substantial return on investment demonstrated by this analysis is crucial for driving the widespread adoption of this innovative, non-antibiotic presurgical prevention protocol, it is imperative that we acknowledge the profound impact SSI have on patients and their families.

"The agonizing reality of a prolonged recovery and extended hospital stays following a seemingly routine surgery like a knee replacement can be life-altering."

Cross said Ondine Biomedical was "dedicated to empowering healthcare systems" to proactively prevent such infections.

"We are incredibly proud that Steriwave offers the potential for significant hospital savings while simultaneously improving patient outcomes."

At 1248 BST, shares in Ondine Biomedical were down 5.56% at 8.5p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.