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The co-founders of Meridius Bio, Bill Cheliak, and Richard Strafehl envision a world where chronic wounds heal rapidly, where diabetic ulcers disappear and damaged heart tissue repairs itself. Inspired by the concept of “programmable regeneration,” developed from Dr. Uri Galili’s important research and findings, their proprietary nanotherapeutic platform, Active Immuno-Modulated Enhanced Regeneration (AIMER), directs cells towards regeneration and has the potential to revolutionize wound care.
Throughout history, wound care has often been relegated to the shadows in comparison to other medical disciplines, despite its profound impact on millions of individuals and the staggering economic burden it bears. In a revealing analysis conducted by Medicare in 2018, a startling 8.2 million people were found to be afflicted with wounds, be they infected or non-infected. The financial toll of addressing both acute and chronic wounds was nothing short of staggering, ranging from $28.1 billion to a staggering $95.6 billion. Surgical wounds, in particular, demanded considerable resources, while the management of diabetic foot ulcers proved to be equally costly.
One such sufferer explains that he sought treatment for years for his diabetic foot ulcer with zero results. He eventually resorted to a treatment that dates back to the Ancient Egyptians–honey. With its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, moisture promotion and enhanced tissue regenerative properties, honey offers patients relief but very few experience full healing as is the case with many current wound therapies.
Innovation in wound treatment has been sorely lacking. While advancements have been made in wound cleanliness and dressings, the fundamental understanding of wound healing physiology has been overlooked. There’s been minimal progress in deciphering the intricacies of internal bodily processes. “That’s precisely where our focus lies. Unlike mere applications of polysporin or honey, our AIMER technology aims to actively stimulate the formation of functional, scar-free tissue, thus revolutionizing the treatment paradigm,” Cheliak explains.
Strafehl highlights a gap in wound healing research. Historically, the focus was on preventing infection and ensuring patient survival. He explains, “While antibiotics remain crucial to fight infection, accelerating wound healing requires a different approach. The key is preventing infection to allow the body’s natural healing processes to function optimally.”
Meridius Bio goes beyond just preventing infection. “Our focus is on accelerating wound healing through a regenerative effect,” Strafehl explains. “While AIMER is compatible with antibiotics, it’s the regenerative properties that truly make the difference. Faster healing translates to a lower risk of infection, fewer complications, and ultimately, quicker patient discharge.”
Strafehl emphasizes the inherent capability of every organism for self-healing, a discovery that propelled the development of our groundbreaking AIMER technology. Drawing an analogy to programming, he underscores the importance of providing precise instructions to unlock the body’s remarkable healing potential. “By harnessing the body’s innate defenses, we are pioneering a new approach to combat illness and rejuvenate damaged tissues.”
Traditional wound healing faces several challenges. Rising healthcare expenses, along with factors such as the aging population, challenges in treating infections like biofilms, and the escalating global prevalence of conditions like diabetes and obesity, collectively amplify the difficulties posed by chronic wounds, impacting both individuals and economies.
Its potential to help 20%-39% post-surgical infections that happen in hospitals is transformative. A key aspect of the technology is its ability to repair damaged tissue and significantly accelerate the healing time by 50% to 70%. Moreover, a critical attribute of Meridius Bio’s technology is its capacity to restore tissue to its normal state. Rather than triggering scarring or fibrosis, which may lead to complications in the future, it possesses an extraordinary capacity for normal, functional tissue regeneration..
“After successfully addressing a heart issue by opening someone’s chest for repair, the subsequent challenge lies in managing the healing process and mitigating postoperative complications, such as infections and extensive tissue damage. With AIMER, we’re tackling both fronts head-on, minimizing these risks,” highlights Cheliak.
The wound care industry is valued at $30 billion. Meridius Bio, led by visionaries Bill Cheliak and Richard Strafehl, with their nanotherapeutic platform, AIMER, has the potential to capture a substantial portion of that market. By leveraging the body’s natural healing mechanisms to promote regeneration, AIMER is tackling the neglected wound care industry and giving healthcare and most importantly, wound sufferers, some much-needed relief.
“Contact us today to learn more about how you can contribute to this groundbreaking initiative and be part of the future of healing. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of millions by supporting the development and adoption of AIMER technology,” states Cheliak.
