Industry News April 2010

Prospera® Announces New NPWT Scientific Research Measuring Signals of Pain Associated with Dressing Changes

     Prospera Technologies LLC (Fort Worth, TX) announced at the John A. Boswick, MD, Burn and Wound Care Symposium in Maui, Hawaii (February 22–26, 2010) that Malin Malmsjö, MD, PhD of Lund, Sweden, presented the results of an innovative immunohistochemistry study, the first of its kind to examine tissue trauma and pain markers associated with the removal of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) wound fillers. The study represents the latest in a long series of NPWT studies recently conducted using Prospera® NPWT systems.      In introducing the rationale behind the study, Dr. Malmsjö noted that during NPWT, granulation tissue typically grows into foam when foam is used as the wound filler. Upon removal, the wound bed may get disrupted and patients often experience pain. Malmsjö and her colleagues sought to observe and quantify the differences between foam and gauze fillers with regard to markers of pain when each type of dressing is removed. In the study, the team measured calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) and substance P, neuropeptides known to be released upon tissue trauma and inflammation that may signal pain. A porcine peripheral wound model was treated with NPWT for 72 hours using either foam or gauze filler. The fillers were then removed, and the expression of CGRP and substance P were measured using immunofluorescence techniques. Use of the techniques enable quantification and localization of these neuropeptides to fluoresce.      The study results revealed that the expression of CGRP and substance P increased after NPWT and wound filler removal. Both were significantly more abundant after removal of foam than after removal of gauze. Staining for both neuropeptides was observed primarily in association with nerves and leukocytes.      Visit www.prospera-npwt.com for more information.

Mölnlycke Health Care Receives the 2010 GHX Best in Class Award for Wound Care

     Mölnlycke Health Care (Norcross, GA) was recently awarded the 2010 GHX best in class award for advanced wound care. This is the fourth year in a row the company has received this award. Best-in-Class winners were determined using GHX Market Intelligence reports that analyze national distributed sales transaction data provided by 27 US distributors. While manufacturers are not required to be GHX customers in order to qualify for or win the Best-in-Class awards, many of this year’s award winners leverage GHX Market Intelligence to gain market share. The company is one of the world’s leading providers of single-use surgical and wound care solutions to the professional healthcare sector. Their long-standing success is based on an overall understanding and appreciation of the clinical challenges of wound management. Through extensive research and development processes, the company strives to provide products that promote optimal outcomes and is dedicated to the needs of all healthcare environments including acute, rehabilitation, long-term care, home care, and outpatient clinics.      Visit www.molnlycke.us for more information.

KCI Announces Reimbursement Approval in Japan

     Kinetic Concepts Inc ([KCI] San Antonio, TX) recently received reimbursement approval from Japan’s Health Insurance Bureau for use of its V.A.C.® Therapy System in the country. The approval signifies an important advancement in the company’s plans for market launch in April and follows Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare’s decision in November 2009 to grant final regulatory approval for the product. The decision provides reimbursement coverage to physicians and hospitals for using the therapy system on patients suffering from severe wounds. The therapy system is a product of KCI’s Active Healing Solutions™ division, which promotes wound healing through negative pressure wound therapy. This therapy has treated more than 3 million patients worldwide and has been clinically proven in more than 20 randomized controlled trials and nearly 500 peer-reviewed journals. Japan represents a critically important and underserved market for advanced wound care. This reimbursement decision serves as a significant milestone as the company plans for market launch and first patient placements in early April.      Visit www.kci1.com for more information.

Quick-Med Technologies Receives Notice of Allowance for Nimbus Technology

     Quick-Med Technologies (New York, NY) announced that the US patent and trademark office has issued a notice of allowance for intellectual property that adds to the current patent coverage for the company’s Nimbus® technology. The notice of allowance covers patent claims that address the bonding of the Nimbus polymeric antimicrobial to a variety of base materials which includes fabrics composed of natural fibers such as cotton and wool, as well as synthetics such as polyurethane, polyester, nylon, and polypropylene. The applications included in the allowed claims are for medical devices including wound and burn dressings, blood transfer and storage products, surgical drapes and apparel, industrial and military protective wear, and consumer apparel plus hygienic products such as wipes, diapers, and feminine care. A notice of allowance communicates the patent office’s determination that the applicant is entitled to a patent under the law. The company expects the new patent to be issued later in 2010.      Visit www.quickmedtech.com for more information.