This contract will look at the potential use of its Silverlon technology for use for low-grade and severe skin radiation injuries after a radiation emergency.
Geneva, Ill. (December 12, 2018) — To prepare for radiological and nuclear emergencies, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HSS) has announced it will work Argentum Medical LLC to repurpose its commercial Silverlon® technology for radiation injuries of the skin.
As a pioneer of silver technology, the privately held company has been awarded a three-year, $8.4 million contract with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR). This contract will look at the potential use of its Silverlon technology for use for low-grade and severe skin radiation injuries after a radiation emergency.
Under a separate contract with BARDA, Argentum Medical is nearing completion of studies required to apply for FDA clearance of Silverlon for skin burns caused by sulfur mustard chemical weapon exposure.
“Silverlon antimicrobial technology has been battle field-tested by the U.S. Military in the most austere environments for over a decade. The stringent evaluation process of the HHS further supports Silverlon’s clinically-proven efficacy, safety and multidisciplinary value,” said Raul Brizuela, president and CEO of Argentum Medical. “Radiation injuries of the skin can be life-threatening and require reliable, sustained and versatile antimicrobial protection. It’s an honor to extend our Silverlon technology to support the critical work of the HHS to advance America’s preparedness for radiological and nuclear emergencies.”
Silverlon’s Military Heritage
Developed for combat injuries, Silverlon antimicrobial technology is now used by every branch of the U.S. Military. As the evidence-based antimicrobial dressing available, Silverlon products contain 50 to 100 times more metallic silver ions than other silver-impregnated dressings.
Studies have shown Silverlon to be highly effective in hostile and austere military environments. The U.S. Army uses Silverlon wound-care technology extensively in the management of burn and blast injuries.
Silverlon is incorporated into numerous deployed Medical Tactical Combat Casualty Care kits and is also supplied in bulk to Combat and Support Hospitals and Tactical Forward Surgical Teams. It is also included in burn care protocols in the Joint Theater Trauma System Clinical Practice Guideline. Silverlon burn products and protocols are extensively used by the US Army and by US Air Force Critical Care Air Transport (CCAT) teams and are taught at the US Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine Critical Care Air Transport Basic Course.
Beyond the military, Silverlon dressings are used today by surgeons and other healthcare professionals around the world on surgical wounds, in negative pressure wound therapy, on chronic wounds, burns, skin grafts, and IV and catheter-related wounds. Argentum Medical continues to explore new applications and markets for its Silverlon® technology in keeping with its corporate mission to improve clinical outcomes. For more about Silverlon, visit http://www.silverlon.com
About Silverlon
Silverlon® wound dressings have a permanently plated metallic surface, which provides the antimicrobial benefits of silver in the dressing without staining the skin and without increasing bioburden. Silverlon was originally developed for the U.S. military, where it is still extensively used for management of burn and blast injuries. Silverlon dressings are used today by surgeons and other healthcare professionals around the world on surgical wounds, in negative pressure wound therapy, on chronic wounds, burns, skin grafts, and IV and catheter-related wounds. For more, visit http://www.silverlon.com
About Argentum Medical
Argentum Medical pioneered the use of silver-plated nylon. Specializing in the development of innovative products made from silver-plated nylon, the company continues to explore new applications and markets for its Silverlon® technology in keeping with its corporate mission to improve clinical outcomes.
About HHS, ASPR and BARDA
HHS works to enhance and protect the health and well-being of all Americans, providing for effective health and human services and fostering advances in medicine, public health, and social services. The mission of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) is to save lives and protect Americans from 21st century health security threats. Within ASPR, BARDA invests in the advanced research and development, acquisition, and manufacturing of medical countermeasures – vaccines, drugs, therapeutics, diagnostic tools, and non-pharmaceutical products needed to combat health security threats.
For more about ASPR and BARDA, visit www.phe.gov/aspr. To learn more about partnering with BARDA on advanced development of medical countermeasures – drugs, vaccines and devices for emergencies – visit www.medicalcountermeasures.gov.
