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Inhibit Coatings — Transforming Infection Prevention with Antimicrobial Medical Plastics
Hospital acquired infections are one of the leading causes of preventable deaths globally. In the US it's estimated that the direct costs of treating these infections are ~$45 B per annum. With over 60% of these infections relating to indwelling medical devices, antimicrobial medical devices have the potential to save thousands of lives and billions of dollars.
Inhibit has developed and patented low cost antimicrobial medical grade polyurethanes that are a drop-in replacement for existing medical plastics. The value proposition has been validated with world leading clinicians and medical device manufacturers. Working with partners, the technology is currently being integrated into device applications that include, wound care, cardiac implantables, sutures, and catheters. Inhibit is now scaling to meet commercial manufacturing volumes and complete FDA safety testing.
Led by an experienced board and backed by a robust IP portfolio, Inhibit is raising up to $2m to launch its breakthrough medical polymer, complete FDA safety testing, and advance both a 510(k) submission and FDA master file for market entry.
Investment Highlights:
- Large need, clear economics: Hospital-acquired infections are a top-10 US cause of death. Antimicrobial devices have shown 30-50% infection reduction in clinical contexts, yet adoption remains low due to the tech and cost constraints of the current generation of products. Inhibit’s cost-neutral, durable antimicrobial TPUs are designed to remove these barriers.
- Validated performance & safety: Up to 6-log reduction against key pathogens; non-cytotoxic and non-sensitising per independent testing; non-leaching silver bound to the resin.
- Progressing regulatory and scale: Scale-up and device Proof of Concepts (PoCs) with OEM partners active; 510(k) pathway defined.
- Commercial optionality: Near-term revenue from device development agreements (historical comps range from US$500k-$7.5m by milestones) and longer-term value from material supply + net-sales royalties (3-8%).
Why Now: Medtech Focus, Traction, and Milestones
- Strategic focus on medical devices: Following learnings from earlier coatings partnerships, Inhibit has prioritised medical devices where infection-reduction is most acute and adoption drivers are stronger. The roadmap targets medical plastics production, device integration, FDA safety testing, and 510(k) submissions to unlock device integration and valuation uplift.
- Demonstrated safety & efficacy: Independent labs show Inhibit’s antimicrobial polyurethane is non-cytotoxic, non-irritating, and non-sensitising, with strong activity against bacteria (incl. superbugs), viruses, fungi & moulds. The materials are a drop-in replacement for existing thermoplastics, slotting seamlessly into manufacturing and processing.
- IP: Portfolio across 14 territories including two US patents.
- Progress is rapid: Updates in the last month include:
- Distribution agreement signed: Multi-country distribution agreement for coatings in Australia, New Zealand, and India now in place, with first customer order placed.
- 20× scale-up of the antimicrobial medical plastics raw material underway. In-house capability now being established to produce the antimicrobial medical polyurethane end-to-end.
- Two paid PoCs shipped to US medical device manufacturers, animal studies commencing this month.
- AIP (Active Investor Plus) approved direct investment - relevant for qualifying overseas investors.
Company: Inhibit has evolved from an earlier cross-sector coatings platform (targeting industrial, textiles, HVAC, medical) to an execution-focused medical device business, while retaining optionality and revenue through distribution and out licensing of the industrial coatings.
Board: Peter Lee (Chair), Eldon Tate (CEO, Co-founder), and Nina Le Lievre (Investor Director).
Team:
- Dr Eldon Tate - CEO & Co-founder. Developed Inhibit Coatings’ technology and completed Melbourne business school's advanced management program.
- Prof. Jim Johnston - Co-founder & Advisor. Prof of Chemistry & Fellow of the Royal Society NZ with over 190 research papers and inventor on 15 patents.
- Dr Emma Wrigglesworth - Head of R&D. Metal-polymer composite expert responsible for our R&D team.
- Stephen Fitzer - Ops Manager. Engineering project manager with high regulatory production experience.
- Tony Walder - Advisor. Polyurethane specialist with 35 years’ experience in business and device development.
- Aaron Smith - Advisor. Serial medtech entrepreneur and go to market expert in orthopaedics. Most recently CEO of Artelon exited to Stryker 2024.
The Offer: Funds will be used to;
- Scale manufacturing of antimicrobial medical plastics to commercial levels;
- Complete FDA safety testing and compile master file;
- Product launch and device partner integration;
- Prepare 510(k) premarket notification.
Register your interest below. The Enterprise Angels team will contact you and under NDA, they will provide further information including, term sheet, and access to due diligence materials.
