This study focuses on a new drug delivery system (Direct Antibiotic Delivery) to treat soft tissue infections. In this study, cefazolin is delivered directly to the target tissues using subcutaneous injection of antibiotic solution and then dispersed using high-frequency external ultrasound. Using this system, a much higher concentration of antibiotic can be achieved than through traditional treatment methods. Unlike traditional delivery methods, Direct Antibiotic Delivery does not rely on blood supply and is beneficial for subjects with Diabetes or subjects who have received radiation therapy and blood supply is limited.
In this study, the DOSAGE of cefazolin that is delivered is a fraction of that which is already FDA approved for intramuscular (IM) administration. However, the CONCENTRATION in the target area is much higher than what can be achieved through intravenous (IV) administration, while still being far less than what is approved for IM administration. Previous to this study, cefazolin was considered to be ineffective in treating Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) as it had only been tested at the concentrations that were attainable by traditional methods. Through our study and laboratory tests conducted at the Harford Hospital, Connecticut, we have confirmed that cefazolin can be effective against even the most resistant strains of MRSA if a high enough concentration is obtained. Under this study, treatment is only available to subjects that have already undergone standard therapy, but were not able to resolve the infection.
Study Type
EXPANDED_ACCESS
Cefazolin is approved for clinical use for some bacterial infections. The standard routes of administration are Intramuscular (IM) and intravenous (IV). For this study, the route of administration will be delivered using the Silberg TPS, which delivers the cefazolin by subcutaneous injection followed by external ultrasonic dispersion. The concentration delivered is one gram/100 ml saline. Cefazolin can safely be given IM at the much higher concentration of 1 gram/2.5 ml of saline. The maximum dose that may be administered is 3 grams in 300 ml, which is within the approved guidelines of a daily dose. The concentration of antibiotic will be the same; only the dose may vary depending on the size of the wound or area of induration. Each subject will receive only one treatment in this study.
The TPS is FDA cleared for the subcutaneous infusion and ultrasonic dispersion of tumescent fluid excluding the parenteral delivery of drugs. Under this study, the TPS is a device to deliver cefazolin by subcutaneous injection followed by external ultrasonic dispersion. The TPS consists of a medical grade peristaltic pump that is used to infuse antibiotic solution using a sterile blunt-tipped infusion cannula into a superficial subcutaneous plane. After the cannula has been removed, high frequency external ultrasound is delivered transcutaneously over the area of infusion in order to disperse the antibiotic solution. The power density is within the range allowed for physical therapy.
Sonoma West Medical Center
Sebastopol, California, United States
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.