NUCRYST Pharmaceuticals Corp.

This company developed a process of forming a thin film of silver nanocrystals to base materials utilizing a custom synthesis called reactive magnetron sputtering, which is a type of physical vapor deposition. It was in  1991.

Later, NUCRYST went on to manufacture, receive regulatory clearance for, and launch the first product, Acticoat™ with SILCRYST™ nanocrystals antimicrobial barrier burn dressings in 1998, with its own sales force. Three years later, NUCRYST entered into its first licensing agreement with Smith & Nephew for the sale, distribution and marketing of Acticoat™ dressings with SILCRYST™ nanocrystals.

Healthcare professionals around the world use Smith & Nephew's Acticoat™ dressings for use in serious wounds, including life-threatening burns and chronic wounds.

Moreover, they decided to pursue the development of pharmaceutical silver nanocrystals to treat diseases caused by infection or inflammation. In fact, the investigational drug (NPI 32101) is being studied for the treatment of atopic dermatitis, a form of eczema. And next therapeutic area is the area of Gastrointestinal Diseases.