New Products and Industry News January

Barrier gauze dressing successfully combats 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, FL) 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 of 99.93%.

     These findings are important because of the potential for cross- and airborne contamination during wound dressing changes.

     For more information, visit www.dermasciences.com.

Company seeks approval of soft tissue regeneration product

     Organogenesis Inc (Canton, Mass) has filed a Premarket Approval Application with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for CelTex™, a living cellular construct for oral soft tissue regeneration. The construct is 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. 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. Initial clinical trials focused on use of the construct for patients with gingival recession.

     For more information, visit www.organogenesis.com.

Adhesive technology improves wound care products

     Avery Dennison Specialty Tape’s (Shanghai, Asia) newest generation of ultrathin hydrocolloid adhesives improves comfort, flexibility, and wear time; lessens skin softening beneath the dressing; reduces the risk of skin irritation; and facilitates gentle removal. Much thinner than conventional hydrocolloids, the new products surpass the fluid-handling performance of thicker hydrocolloid formulations. They are available with a choice of highly breathable and conformable film carriers. A special moisturizing hydrocolloid formulation is offered for dry and cracked skin and treatment of calluses and corns, particularly on feet.

     For more information, visit www.averydennison.com.