Canadian life sciences company Ondine Biomedical Inc. (AIM: OBI) announced on Monday that it has completed patient recruitment for a pioneering 291-patient ICU study using its patented Steriwave nasal photodisinfection technology at Royal Columbian Hospital in British Columbia, Canada. This marks the world's first clinical evaluation of light-activated nasal decolonisation in an intensive care setting.

The study targeted hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), which affect 12–13% of ICU admissions, with over 62% being respiratory infections predominantly caused by Gram-negative bacteria. Current topical antibiotics such as mupirocin offer limited efficacy against these organisms and face growing resistance.

Steriwave eliminates Gram-negative, Gram-positive, viral and fungal pathogens within minutes and without contributing to antimicrobial resistance. The treatment is non-invasive, fast-acting and preserves the nasal microbiome, addressing urgent needs in infection prevention amid rising global antibiotic resistance.

Ondine Biomedical, headquartered in Canada, develops light-activated antimicrobial therapies to combat multidrug-resistant infections. Steriwave holds regulatory approval in Canada, Europe, Australia, Mexico and other markets. It is currently in clinical trials in the US with Fast Track and Qualified Infectious Disease Product designations from the FDA.