What is your business concept, what problems are you hoping to solve?
“We are a Swedish medtech company, and our mission is to save lives. We do this by developing and providing infection prevention solutions that reduce the risk for healthcare-related infections, and reduce the use of antibiotics. This enables us to make substantial savings for the healthcare systems and society as a whole,” says Christian Kinch, Bactiguard CEO.
“In Sweden, 1 in 10 patients are currently affected by healthcare-related infections, also known as hospital superbugs, which are estimated to cost society around SEK 6.5 billion every year in increased healthcare costs. In low and middle income countries, infection rates are even higher, resulting in greater suffering and mortality.”

What are you working on currently?
“We’re currently in a rapid expansion phase with distinct product portfolios in markets in Europe, China, India, and the Middle East, and through the establishment of licensees in new therapy areas. In 2017, we won no fewer than three major contracts for our urinary catheter in Sweden: in Stockholm, Skåne, and Västra Götaland. This means that our products are now available in regions that together represent around 65 per cent of the Swedish population, including Flemingsberg of course,” says Kinch.
“Our technology, which is a Swedish innovation, prevents bacteria from attaching to medical products that are used every day in the healthcare sector, and protects against a large proportion of all healthcare-related infections. The technology is based on an extremely thin layer of noble metal alloy made of gold, silver and palladium. With contact with liquid, the three noble metals produce a galvanic reaction, a micro current that makes it harder for bacteria to attach itself to the surface and create biofilm, which in turn reduces the risk for subsequent infections.”

Where are you now?
“We’re currently in a rapid expansion phase with distinct product portfolios in markets in Europe, China, India, and the Middle East, and through the establishment of licensees in new therapy areas. In 2017, we won no fewer than three major contracts for our urinary catheter in Sweden: in Stockholm, Skåne, and Västra Götaland. This means that our products are now available in regions that together represent around 65 per cent of the Swedish population, including Flemingsberg of course,” says Kinch.
“Our technology, which is a Swedish innovation, prevents bacteria from attaching to medical products that are used every day in the healthcare sector, and protects against a large proportion of all healthcare-related infections. The technology is based on an extremely thin layer of noble metal alloy made of gold, silver and palladium. With contact with liquid, the three noble metals produce a galvanic reaction, a micro
current that makes it harder for bacteria to attach itself to the surface and create biofilm, which in turn reduces the risk for subsequent infections.”

What are your plans for the future?
“We offer our technology as part of our own product portfolio BIP, Bactiguard Infection Protection, which consists of urinary catheters, endotracheal tubes, and central venous catheters with Bactiguard’s infection-preventing layer – and via licence agreements with other companies,” explains Kinch.
“In recent years, we’ve invested heavily in product development, clinical studies, and production capacity. We’ve also relocated to new premises. In 2018, we’re prioritising continued growth through increased sales of our own product portfolio, and development of new licence agreements, to come closer to achieving our profitability targets, but above all to save more lives.

Why are you based in Flemingsberg?
“Previously, we had offices in central Stockholm. When we needed more space to establish an integrated facility for all our activities, including production, Flemingsberg was the natural choice. The main reason for this was proximity to Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Swedish Red Cross University College, and other key partners for us. Our technology also has links with the 1912 Nobel Prize, (read more on our website), so what could be more appropriate for our new address than Alfred Nobel Allé,” says Kinch.