Description:

“Hemoperfusion with Polymeric Adsorbents in the Treatment of Drug-Resistant Bloodstream Infections”

Robert Ward
President and CEO
ExThera Medical Corporation

Abstract
ExThera Medical Corporation of Martinez, CA has developed the Seraph® Microbind® Affinity Blood Filter (Seraph). Seraph is a broad-spectrum biomimetic hemoperfusion device that removes (drug-resistant) pathogens, toxins and pro-inflammatory cytokines from whole blood. It is designed to reduce the intensity and duration of bacterial and viral infections in the prevention and treatment of sepsis, a major cause of death all over the world. Methods of polymer surface modification and characterization we previously applied in the development of blood and tissue-contacting medical devices were useful in the creation of Seraph. Synthetic methods that maximize surface concentration of macromolecular ligands while avoiding stearic hindrance were needed for the successful creation of a non-porous, antithrombogenic adsorption media that mimics the binding sites used by pathogens when they invade the human body. Seraph is currently undergoing clinical trials in Europe. Preclinical testing of a related device, Seraph 200, was performed by Battelle Columbus within the DARPA Dialysis-like Therapy (DLT) Program where it demonstrated excellent safety and efficacy in the removal of methicillin resistant Staph. aureus (MRSA).

Speaker Background

Bob Ward is president of ExThera Medical in Martinez, and founder of Berkeley-based Polymer Technology Group (PTG), now DSM Biomedical. Bob is a chemical engineer and polymer scientist with 44 years of experience in the development and manufacturing of medical devices, and polymeric biomaterials for critical applications. Novel biomaterials and components developed and manufactured under his direction have been used in dozens of devices and prosthetic implants including artificial hearts, vascular grafts, stents, pacemakers, orthopedic implants and contact lenses. ExThera, his fourth start-up venture, has developed Seraph, a dialysis-like sorbent hemoperfusion device that safely removes pathogens and toxins from blood in the treatment of drug-resistant bacteremia and viremia. European clinical trials are currently underway.

Date:

Thursday, February 11

Location:

Michael's Restaurant at Shoreline Park
2960 N. Shoreline Park
Mountain View, CA 94043

Map

Timing:

6 PM social hour
7 PM dinner
8 PM lecture

Cost:

	Employed/postdoc	Student/unemployed/retired
Early Registration	$30	$15
Registration	$35	$20
Walk-in (not guaranteed)	$40	$25

Lecture-only is free.

 

Payment:

We accept cash or checks at the door, or online payment via credit card. No-shows are responsible for full payment of registration fee.

Registration:

Please register below or contact:

David Olmeijer
email: dolmeijer@gmail.com
phone: 415-509-8948

Deadline for registration:

11:59PM, Wednesday, February 3 for early registration discount.
5PM, Wednesday, February 10 for regular registration.

Dinner Selection:

Seafood - Tilapia with Mango SalsaD
Chicken - Chicken Cacciatore
Vegetarian - Eggplant Parmagiana

You should receive confirmation of your registration; if not, please contact us again.