XCMR Secures $1.25M AFWERX Contract to Combat Surgical Site Infections

XCMR has been awarded a $1.25 million, 21-month Direct to Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contract from the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), through its AFWERX program.

The contract will fund the development of XCMR’s next-generation Far UV-C irradiation technology to mitigate surgical site and wound infection risk.

This award builds on XCMR’s previous AFWERX successes and opens doors for further collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense.

The fight against surgical site infections (SSIs)

Surgical site infections (SSIs) remain a critical challenge in healthcare, with 2-5% of surgeries resulting in infections that can lead to longer hospital stays, higher treatment costs, and even life-threatening complications. In military settings, where rapid recovery is crucial, the stakes are even higher.

XCMR’s innovative approach applying UV technology will revolutionize infection prevention. We are exploring wavelengths (e.g. Far UV-C) that can disinfect both air and surfaces while mitigating the risk to eyes and skin, making it ideal for use in operating rooms and field hospitals. This technology offers an effective method to reduce the risk of SSIs, enhancing the speed and success of recovery in both surgical and wound-care environments.

Accelerating innovation with AFWERX support

The Direct to Phase II award is a testament to the potential of XCMR’s technology to address urgent needs in military healthcare. By allowing XCMR to bypass earlier stages of the SBIR process, the award enables rapid acceleration of development, bringing this solution closer to real-world deployment. The ultimate goal: improve patient outcomes for military personnel and revolutionize infection prevention in high-risk environments.

Building on a history of success

This latest contract is the third major AFWERX award XCMR has secured. Following a $49,974 Phase I award in 2021 and a $784,503 Phase II award in 2022, the continued support from AFWERX underscores the value and significance of XCMR’s technology. Each step forward brings XCMR closer to realizing its vision of making a meaningful impact on healthcare for military and civilian populations alike.

A commitment to innovation and collaboration

At XCMR, we are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of medical technology to improve patient outcomes. This award is not only recognition of our innovative approach but also a reflection of our strong partnership with the Department of Defense in tackling the unique healthcare challenges faced by our military.

With the ongoing support of AFWERX and the Department of Defense, XCMR is poised to lead the way in infection prevention technologies that have the potential to safeguard lives and enhance healthcare practices worldwide.

About AFWERX

AFWERX is a U.S. Air Force program dedicated to fostering innovation and collaboration with small businesses, startups, and non-traditional defense contractors. The program accelerates the development of cutting-edge technologies to enhance the capabilities of the Air Force and other military branches. AFWERX awards, often given under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, support research, development, and commercialization of innovative solutions for defense needs.

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