Introduction

Candida auris, an increasingly notorious fungal pathogen, poses an urgent threat to global health. Innovative biotechnology company AvantGuard, founded in 2019 as a Cornell University spinout, is stepping up to combat this dire challenge with a strategic three-pronged approach.

The Threat of Candida auris

This deadly organism is particularly insidious, known for triggering extensive outbreaks in healthcare settings. Candida auris (C. auris) is remarkably resilient against conventional treatments, growing at human body temperature and thriving in saline environments. For immunocompromised patients, the stakes are high, as those colonized by C. auris face a staggering 20% risk of infection, and more than 30% of those who become infected could die within just 30 days.

What’s worse, C. auris can persist on surfaces for extended periods, making routine disinfection ineffective. In some U.S. healthcare facilities, the prevalence of C. auris colonization has been reported to exceed 70%. With annual cases skyrocketing by about 70% and no effective decolonization protocols yet established, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has classified C. auris as an urgent threat, echoed by the World Health Organization’s critical priority designation.

The Broader Context of Fungal Infections

The challenge posed by C. auris is only one of many in the broader landscape of infectious diseases. Hospital-acquired infections cost an estimated $25-40 billion annually, and projections suggest that by 2050, deaths from drug-resistant pathogens, including fungal infections, could surpass those caused by cancer. As climate change amplifies the problem, fungi may adapt to higher temperatures, further complicating treatment efforts.

AvantGuard’s Innovative Solution: Avantamine™

Recognizing the need for new strategies, AvantGuard has developed Avantamine™, a groundbreaking compound inspired by the body’s natural defenses. The human immune system utilizes a process involving white blood cells that employs chlorine from salt, attaching it to taurine to form taurine chloramine. This compound acts as a biocide capable of targeting a vast array of pathogens without leading to resistance—yet its effectiveness has traditionally been limited to internal use due to stability issues.

Avantamine changes the game by creating a stable chloramine compound suitable for external application. It boasts a three-to-five-year shelf life while providing broad-spectrum efficacy against bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

A Comprehensive Approach to Combat C. auris

AvantGuard’s ambitious mission aims to replace topical antibiotics, fostering a healthier and safer world. With a market opportunity exceeding $30 billion in treating skin disorders alone, Avantamine offers versatility as both an antiseptic and a disinfectant.

Their comprehensive product line consists of: 1. A liquid body wash that replaces traditional antiseptics such as chlorhexidine. 2. An antifungal ointment designed for prolonged efficacy. 3. A residual disinfectant tailored for healthcare environments.

Why Avantamine Stands Out

Avantamine liquid wash presents an alternative to commonly used antiseptics like alcohol, iodine, and chlorhexidine, demonstrating superior efficacy—100,000 times more effective than chlorhexidine against tough bacterial biofilms in EPA testing, without causing skin irritation.

The antifungal ointment formulation allows for longer contact time in areas where C. auris may thrive, reinforcing protection against re-colonization. Importantly, it has shown comparable effectiveness to existing antifungal options such as miconazole and clotrimazole.

Moreover, Avantamine proves invaluable in surface disinfecting applications, taking on the role of bleach but without its destructive side effects. Safe for skin, fabrics, and various surface materials, Avantamine provides lasting protection crucial in healthcare settings to mitigate the recurring nature of C. auris.

A Promising Future in Infection Control

AvantGuard is setting a new standard in the fight against C. auris and similar pathogens with a product arsenal that leverages cutting-edge science and mimics the human immune response. By harnessing the power of Avantamine in its multiple formulations, AvantGuard envisions breaking the continuous cycle of infection transmission and significantly reducing the healthcare burden associated with superbugs.

As the world grapples with the growing threat of antibiotic resistance and healthcare-associated infections, AvantGuard stands at the forefront, offering innovative solutions and hope for a healthier tomorrow.