Product News January 2010

Derma Sciences’ Bioguard Barrier Gauze Demonstrates Efficacy Against Influenza Virus

     Derma Sciences, Inc (Princeton, NJ) recently released an independent laboratory report indicating that the company’s Bioguard barrier gauze dressings exhibit high antiviral efficacy against virulent bacteria such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). BCS Laboratories Inc (Gainesville, Fla) exposed two varieties of the dressings to several quantities of the Influenza A (H1N1; ATCC VR-1469) virus over a 24-hour period. At the conclusion of the interval, quantities of the virus were reduced in both dressing types by an average percentage of 99.93%.      While human-to-human transmission of H1N1 virus can occur through coughing or sneezing by those infected with the influenza virus, or by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching one’s mouth or nose, the potential also of transmission by means of cross-contamination during wound dressing changes exists. This is especially true if a dressing is soaked with wound fluid, which can increase the time the virus survives in the dressing.      When an infected wound’s dressing is changed, pathogens within the dressing are potentially made airborne, therefore increasing the risk of infection to those in the immediate vicinity. Wound care patients also run the risk of being infected by a virus during dressing changes. The H1N1 virus can be easily transmitted from the wound dressings to the hands of healthcare workers, while doctors, nurses, or patients can inhale the small airborne droplets of wound fluid with H1N1. The laboratory report provides timely evidence that the company’s dressings can have a role to play, not only as an antibacterial in infection prevention programs, but also as a tool to help decrease the spread of the H1N1 virus.      Visit www.dermasciences.com for more information.

Organogenesis Files PMA for CelTx™ For Oral Soft Tissue Regeneration

     Organogenesis Inc (Canton, Mass) announced that it has filed a Premarket Approval Application (PMA) with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its CelTex™, a living cellular construct for oral soft tissue regeneration. CelTex is a living cellular construct comprised of human fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and extracellular matrix proteins. Studies suggest the living cells found in the construct produce a wide array of growth factors and cytokines that in turn stimulate the patient’s own cells to regenerate new gum tissue that is clinically relevant and aesthetically appealing. If approved, the construct will be the first, living cell-based technology that is FDA-approved for use in the dental market. The company is the world’s first regenerative medicine company to successfully commercialize and mass produce profitable living cell-based products. The company focused the initial clinical trials on the use of the construct to regenerate new gum tissue for patients with gingival recession. Gingival (gums) forms a crucial seal around teeth and the supporting structures around them (bone and ligaments).      Visit www.organogenesis.com for more information.

Avery Dennison Innovates in Consumer Skin and Wound Care

     Avery Dennison Specialty Tape (Pasadena, Calif) has developed a proprietary adhesive technology that adds significant value to consumer wound care products. Its newest generation of ultra-thin hydrocolloid adhesives delivers benefits in terms of better wear comfort, flexibility, longer wear time, less skin softening beneath the dressing, and gentle removal. Much thinner than conventional hydrocolloids, the new products surpass the fluid-handling performance of thicker hydrocolloid formulations. They reduce the risk of skin irritation and are partnered by a choice of highly breathable and conformable film carriers. The products also offer a real advance in the technology available for consumer wound and skin care products for over-the-counter sale. A special hydrocolloid formulation with a moisturizing capability is offered for dry, cracked skin, and for treatment of calluses and corns, particularly on the feet.      Visit www.averydennison.com for more information.