New Products and Industry News

Senior management change announced

  Mölnlycke Health Care US, LLC (Norcross, GA) announced that Randy Schwartz, who was the Vice President of Marketing for the Wound Care Division in the US, has been appointed to the position of Global Marketing Director, based in the home office in Gothenburg, Sweden. The company provides a wide range of innovative, high-quality, medical products, including dressings with Safetac® soft silicone technology, Biogel® gloves, Barrier® wearing apparel, and Hibiclens® antiseptics.

  For more information visit www.molnlycke.us

Single-use negative pressure wound therapy system cleared by FDA

  Smith & Nephew (London, UK) received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for the pocket-sized PICO&loz system, a single use negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) system. The system is cleared for use both in a hospital and homecare setting and expands the use of NPWT from the traditional wound care population to include a wider range of patients undergoing orthopedic surgery, plastic surgery, and general surgical procedures. The system already has been launched in Europe, Canada, and Australia.

  For more information, visit https://global.smith-nephew.com.

Company overview, initiatives to be presented

  Healthpoint Biotherapeutics (Fort Worth, TX) announced that Travis E. Baugh, President and Chief Operating Officer, and Robert Bancroft, Executive Vice President, Strategic and Commercial Development, will present an overview of the company, its commercial products, and its R&D pipeline at the upcoming J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference. The presentation is scheduled for Tuesday, January 9, 9:30 a.m. (PST) at the Westin St. Francis Hotel, San Francisco, CA.

  The presentation will include updates on the company’s ongoing commercial operations and phase 3 plans for its cell therapy pipeline candidate for venous leg ulcers (HP802-247).

  For more information, visit www.Healthpointbio.com.

US and Chinese pharmaceutical companies forge agreement

  NovaBay Pharmaceuticals, Inc (Emeryville, CA) has entered into a commercial partnership agreement with Pioneer Pharma Co, Ltd, a Shanghai-based company that markets high-end pharmaceutical products into China, for the commercialization of NeutroPhase in this territory. Under the terms of the agreement, NovaBay will receive an upfront payment of over $300,000, with the potential for additional payments totaling approximately $1 million that may be triggered by certain regulatory milestones pre commercial launch.

  NeutroPhase is a US Food and Drug Administration- cleared wound cleanser developed to promote healing and improve clinical outcomes for patients with chronic nonhealing wounds, including Stage to Stage IV pressure ulcers, stasis ulcers, leg ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, postsurgical wounds, first- and second-degree burns, abrasions, and minor skin irritations.

  For more information visit https://www.novabaypharma.com.

New static-air product treats, prevents pressure ulcers

  EHOB, Inc (Indianapolis, IN) released the WAFFLE® Extended Care Seat Cushion, a new static-air product designed to assist in the prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers through Stage IV.

  Filled with air, the ideal medium to support and float the most vulnerable soft tissues of the body, the cushion is designed to allow the body to sink down into the product, providing protection and comfort while contouring to the body. In addition, its low-profile chamber of air aids in the redistribution of patients’ weight evenly on the surface. The product is clinically effective in keeping the patient stable and comfortable while preventing pressure ulcers.

  The new 19” x 19” x 2” cushion can be used in any seat specifically for individuals weighing up to 300 lb. Skin temperature and moisture control are achieved through diamond-patterned holes on the cushion, which naturally circulate air while allowing skin to breathe. The nonabrasive, medical grade vinyl seat cushion is easy-to-clean and comes with a 6-month warranty. It easily accompanies patients throughout the continuum of care and is ideal for pressure ulcer prevention at home or in a long-term care setting. An optional fluid-resistant cover is available.

  For more information, please visit www.ehob.com.

Formula provides contact dermatitis protection

  TapeRelief™ (Las Vegas, NV) launched its proprietary formula for wound care and prevention of contact dermatitis from medical tape and bandages. For a limited time, complementary samples of the formula are being offered to medical professionals and the general public at www.TapeRelief.com.

  The product is applied to the skin as a fast-drying cream to prevent irritation common to frequent bandage and tape users. It works by creating a topical barrier between the tape or bandage and the skin. The tape or bandage then adheres to the dried layer the product, preventing any irritation from adhesive, moisture, and more. Additionally, it includes healing and soothing ingredients such as organic oatmeal and tea tree oil to improve the underlying skin while it protects.

  For more information, visit www.taperelief.com.

First point-of-care diagnostic test for chronic wounds receives CE mark

  Systagenix’s (London, UK) WOUNDCHEK™ Protease Status, the world’s first rapid, point-of-care diagnostic test developed specifically for chronic wounds, received a CE mark. The test enables early, targeted intervention and cost-effective use of advanced therapies designed to modulate protease activity. This product will be introduced initially across Europe, South Africa, and the Middle East.

  Developed by Systagenix Wound Management in collaboration with Alere and designed to become part of routine wound assessment, the test is easy to use and provides results in 15 minutes at the point of care. This enables the test to influence treatment decisions immediately and help clinicians target advanced wound care therapies more effectively by identifying elevated protease activity in chronic wounds.

  Because the implementation of point-of-care testing is new to many wound care clinicians, Systagenix is investing heavily in training prospective users and has introduced a new online training tool.

  For more information, visit www.systagenix.com.

Webbased patient and caregiver education resource site launched

  Covidien (Mansfield, MA) launched a new website to provide educational support to healthcare providers and home health caregivers. The site, www.patientcare-edu.com, features educational information on treating the most common chronic care conditions in acute, nonacute, or home care settings. Caregivers can access the information to better understand or refresh their knowledge of, particular underlying conditions. The educational material can be accessed by clinical condition or by product group.

  The site is intended to improve a patient’s quality of life by showing caregivers how to properly treat or prevent the underlying complications of chronic conditions, such as immobility, incontinence, pressure ulcers, healthcare-associated infections, malnutrition, and dehydration. The site is geared toward nurses, CNAs, discharge planners, home health agency staff, and patients’ loved ones. In addition to providing educational material on protocols for treatment, relevant research studies on featured conditions, and videos on product usage, the site offers video demonstrations that caregivers can view. Information sheets may be downloaded for caregivers, patients, and families.

  The site also provides information about the company’s products that can aid in the treatment or prevention of the highlighted conditions. In addition, links to product websites are supplied for access to more specific product information. Healthcare providers and home health caregivers also can use the educational programs to receive continuing education credits by reading articles and completing post-activity tests and evaluation forms. The information and the continuing education program are free of charge. Users do not need to register or provide any personal information to access educational materials.

  The website will be updated regularly with new educational materials and resources. Additional clinical conditions also may be included depending on feedback received from customers and site visitors.

  For more information, visit www.covidien.com.