Since its inception in 1998, TYRX has addressed surgical-site infections and inflammatory tissue-reaction associated with implanted medical devices. TYRX is an FDA registered, ISO 13485:2003 certified medical device manufacturer of drug-device combination products utilizing novel polymer technology, including a world-wide license from Rutgers covering a broad range of resorbable materials and drug delivery technology. Additionally, TYRX has licensed combination drug patents from Baylor College of Medicine and The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. TYRX products can be tailored to the appropriate mechanical strength, rate of therapeutic agent release and rate of biological resorption. Where localized, rather than systemic, antibiotic delivery is desired, TYRX has exclusive license in specific fields for the use of the clinically proven combination of minocycline and rifampin antibiotics. TYRX deploys its capabilities across a broad range of combination medical products:

In Cardiac Rhythm Management Devices (CRMDs), following FDA clearance, TYRX launched the AIGISRx® Anti-bacterial Envelope in June 2008—the first FDA-cleared medical device—product designed to reduce infections associated with implantable pacemakers and/or implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). CRMDs are implanted at the rate of 500,000 units per year in the U.S. In 2011 TYRX had sales of $7 million, representing a 2% market penetration. TYRX has developed a third generation, totally resorbable AIGIS. Approval by the FDA is anticipated by mid year.

In Cardiac Surgery, TYRX has developed an antibiotic eluting bone paste that could reduce or eliminate high morbidity/high mortality post-surgical complications from Mediastinitis, an infection of the sternum, which may occur after open chest procedures.

In General Surgery, TYRX has received FDA clearance for a surgical mesh coated with a proprietary bioresorbable polymer containing the antimicrobial agents of minocycline and rifampin. In 2007, TYRX entered an agreement with C.R. Bard for the development and marketing of unique hernia repair products incorporating TYRX technology.

In Cosmetic Surgery, TYRX has completed studies demonstrating the ability of the TYRX technology to reduce the severity of capsular contraction as occur in breast implant recipients.

In Orthopedic Implants, TYRX’s proprietary bioresorbable polymer containing the antimicrobial agents coat orthopedic implants with the intent of reducing the potential for infection.

In Interventional Cardiology, TYRX has developed a proprietary drug-eluting stent (DES) polymer coating that is fully biocompatible. The company has twice raised $20 million in venture capital funding: in February 2008 a financing led by Clarus Ventures and co-led by Pappas Ventures and again in late 2010, co-led by Clarus and Pappas and joined in the lead by new investor HLM Venture Partners.

With the major venture firm investments, Mr. Cahn relinquished his board chair position and is currently a board observer.

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