Cold plasma therapy shown to be 100% effective against pneumonia-causing bacteria
Ella Day | May 19, 2025 | News story | Research and Development | Infections and infestations, MRSA, Viromed Medical, intensive care, lung therapy, ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)
A breakthrough in lung therapy has been reported by German biotech company Viromed Medical whose cold plasma treatment has demonstrated 100% effectiveness against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a common cause of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).
In an in vitro study led by Hortense Slevogt at Hannover Medical School and the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Germany, researchers found that cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) both eliminated all MRSA bacteria within 30 to 90 seconds and prevented their replication completely. Moreover, the treatment left surrounding human lung cells (alveoli) undamaged, making it both highly effective and safe.
“These results are groundbreaking,” said Slevogt. “Cold plasma offers a safe alternative or supplement to existing therapies and will significantly improve patient prognosis.”
MRSA is a particularly dangerous pathogen in hospitals, where it can lead to life-threatening infections, especially among immunocompromised patients. Antibiotic resistance has made it increasingly difficult to treat, highlighting the urgent need for alternative therapies. CAP could mark a turning point.
CEO of Viromed, Uwe Perbandt, called the study a “complete success,” adding that the method “will significantly advance the treatment of severe lung diseases and reduce mortality in hospitals worldwide.”
VAP is a common complication in intensive care units, affecting up to 36% of patients on mechanical ventilation and contributing to prolonged hospital stays and rising healthcare costs.
Viromed’s findings will be published and presented at a press conference in June 2025 alongside a fast-track research paper.
Ella Day
19/5/25
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