New Products and Industry News

Company receives FDA approval for next-generation wound dressing

Derma Sciences, Inc. (Princeton, NJ) announces US Food and Drug Administration approval of ALGICELL™ Ag Calcium Alginate Wound Dressing with Antimicrobial Silver, a next-generation product for patients who require a topical antimicrobial as part of their advanced wound management protocol. This will be the first silver alginate dressing available that offers the full benefit of antimicrobial ionic silver combined with the proven wound management properties of pure alginate fibers.. Additionally, the product will be priced cost-effectively to help reduce the common cost burden associated with silver antimicrobial dressings.
The dressing consists of 1.4% silver (released in its ionic form) and a proprietary blend of mannuronic and guluronic alginic acids. After significant internal research and development, 1.4% was shown to provide the ideal level of silver to achieve maximum antimicrobial effectiveness without harming healthy tissue. Ionic silver has been shown to have strong antimicrobial effectiveness against a broad spectrum of bacteria and fungi. The silver ions in the dressing are slowly released in a controlled fashion to provide constant protection and extended wear times. The proprietary blend of alginic acids is designed to provide an optimal gelling profile, promoting a moist wound environment conducive to wound healing and ease-of-use through easy removal during dressing changes, while minimizing fibrous residue commonly associated with these types of dressings. The dressing is made with more material than the leading brand and improves absorption by 16%.
Pricing has been established to more closely reflect the reimbursement levels of these dressings, currently a serious issue for wound care providers attempting to cover costs while still providing optimal care through the use of antimicrobial silver dressings.
For more information, visit https://www.dermasciences.com.

Topical anesthetic spray can reduce risk of benzocaine overdosing

Healthpoint’s (Fort Worth, Tex) Exactacain™ (benzocaine 14%, butamben 2%, tetracaine hydrocholoride 2%) Spray Topical Anesthetic may be a safer dosing alternative for physicians and their patients. A 2006 US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory on the dangers associated with possible overdosing and erroneous administration of benzocaine products highlights the value of this product.
The spray is indicated for use on all accessible mucous membranes except for the eyes.
The spray delivery system can reduce risks mentioned in the FDA advisory, including a potentially dangerous, even fatal, side effect known as methemoglobinemia, a condition where critical amounts of hemoglobin in red blood cells can no longer bind and carry oxygen to living tissues.
Unlike other benzocaine products, the spray dosage and administration are both metered and clear. This delivery system can help ensure accurate dosing via a precise spray that provides effective anesthesia, controls pain, and suppresses the gag reflex. Additionally, this new delivery system provides secure, single-use applicators, which can reduce the possibility of cross-contamination and is cost-effective.
For more information, visit https://www.exactacain.com.

Study reports protease-enhanced products aid healing

Results from laboratory and clinical testing indicate Swiss-American Products’ (Dallas, Tex) Elta Protease Technology deactivates detrimental components that inhibit healing while preserving others needed for healing. The testing showed a notable reduction of harmful proteins found in nonhealing wounds; thus, enhancing the environment for healing. One study, conducted by the University of Florida, was presented at the Wound Healing Society annual meeting held in May 2006. The presentation, “Elta Hydrovase Wound Dressing Components Degrade Proteins Detrimental to Wound Healing,” showed the protease blend acts on key proteins known to impair wound healing.
The protease blend is nonsteroidal, contains no anesthetics or antihistamines, and is easily incorporated into various delivery formulations.
For more information, visit https://www.elta.net.

Bandage for hard-to-heal wounds now available in the US

The Bauer Bandage (St. Rita Medical, LLC, Houston, Tex) was developed in European medical centers over the last 5 years. The bandage has shown success in healing wounds faster and providing patient comfort. It also has shown other important properties such as low wound surface adherence and effective deodorization.
The new bandage has proven successful for healing diabetic, venous, and decubitus ulcers, pressure ulcers, burns, infected surface wounds, operative wounds, surface traumas, and other conditions and defects.
The bandage contains a special form of carbon. The pure, activated carbon is in textile form and is pliable, flexible, and conforming. The carbon is tightly woven and acts as an absorptive covering.
The microscopic fibers of activated carbon provide absorptive capacity and speed up the wound healing process significantly in most observed cases. The high absorption rate slows or stops the growth of infectious microbial activity of many kinds and allows the tissues to regenerate more quickly.
The company is currently developing distribution channels for the bandage in the US market.
For more information, visit https://www.bauerbandageusa.com or call (281) 451-4222.