SMITH & NEPHEW
A review of 33 published papers shows fewer wound healing complications in patients with closed surgical incisions after Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) is applied for 3–5 days post‐surgery. The journal Bone and Joint Research published the review, which was written by an international panel of experts on NPWT.
There is a growing awareness of the potential for incisional NPWT to reduce post‐surgical complications and the related costs involved, but further developments of lower cost, single‐use NPWT devices will catalyse additional studies.
The most common surgical site complication is infection. SSI's occur in an estimated 5% of in‐patient surgical procedures and result in seven to ten additional postoperative hospital days.
The panels conducted the review in orthopaedic and other surgical disciplines and planned to examine the economic implications for such an approach as well.
Single‐use NPWT devices such as Smith & Nephew's PICO mean that the lower cost of therapy can create more opportunities for building clinical evidence in large randomised studies.
For questions please go to: www.smith‐nephew.com
NESTLÉ SKIN HEALTH
On 11 February 2014, Nestlé announced the creation of Nestlé Skin Health S.A., a global leader focused on meeting the world's increasing skin health needs with a scientifically proven broad range of innovative products. The company will be formed by the acquisition of 50% of Galderma Pharma S.A. (Galderma), subject to regulatory clearance. Galderma was established in 1981 as a dermatology‐focused, Swiss‐based joint‐venture between Nestlé and L'Oréal S.A. (L'Oréal) and had sales of CHF €2·0 billion in calendar year 2013.
By creating Nestlé Skin Health S.A. and by leveraging Galderma's current portfolio, formulations and innovative research, Nestlé will now be able to provide science‐based solutions for skin conditions. We strive to have a portfolio of innovative products that meet the full spectrum of people's skin health needs over the course of their lives and to provide a holistic approach to people's health.
Establishment of Nestlé Skin Health will allow the emergence of a global leader that will leverage Galderma's and Nestlé's commercial operations throughout the world. Galderma's Scientific Division, with laboratories located in France, Sweden, USA, Japan and Switzerland, will become part of Nestlé Skin Health and will actively collaborate with Nestlé's global R&D network. Galderma's 33 commercial subsidiaries around the world will continue to deliver scientifically defined and medically proven products to patients and health care providers around the world under the Galderma brand and organisation.
Nestlé Skin Health will have a full range of products for the skin, hair and nail including self‐medication drugs, quasi‐drugs such as medicated soaps or sunscreens, therapeutic skin care products, nutraceuticals, prescription drugs and medical devices. Nestlé Skin Health, a wholly owned subsidiary of Nestlé, will become operational as soon as regulatory requirements and competition authority clearance have been provided.
On behalf of Galderma, Humberto C. Antunes, CEO explained ‘this is good news for patients, consumers and healthcare providers, and the thousands of Galderma employees throughout the world. As part of Nestlé Skin Health, Galderma's medical heritage and portfolio can be expanded to meet the full range of skin health needs, creating a new world leader focused on improving people's lives.’
The skin, the largest organ in the human body, plays an important role in how we perceive ourselves and how others perceive us. Improving skin health has a proven effect on well‐being and quality of life and these aspects, together with preventing, treating and curing medical conditions related to the skin, are what Nestlé Skin Health aspires to address.
OCULUS INNOVATIVE SCIENCES
Oculus launches two new Microcyn advanced wound care products in the USA
Oculus Innovative Sciences, a global health care company, announced on the launch of two new products to its US family of Microcyn‐based advanced wound care products.
The company has announced the availability of Microcyn wound and skin spray hydrogel in a spray formulation. This spray formulation, which is now available in a three‐ounce bottle, allows the users to easily and conveniently spray directly onto the wound site.
Oculus has announced the availability of Microcyn wound and skin care with preservatives. This is available in a multi‐use two‐ounce spray bottle. The company has reduced the bottle size to allow it to be used both in the clinic and economically dispensed or prescribed for patients' in‐home use.
Microcyn is used to cleanse, irrigate and aid in the debridement of a vast array of chronic and acute wounds. It can be used prior to a variety of wound healing products and methods including products with silver, enzymatic debriders, growth factors, tissue‐engineered products and dermal substitutes.
Microcyn wound and skin spray hydrogel is an innovative advance in hypochlorous acid hydrogel technology. This technology is a powerful solution that provides an optimal wound healing environment. It does not contain antibiotics.
For more information, please visit http://oculusis.com/
ACELL INC
ACell launches new MatriStem multilayer wound matrix device
ACell announced that it has launched the new MatriStem Multilayer Wound Matrix device for deep, hard‐to‐heal, full‐thickness wounds. The 1:1 mesh design of MatriStem Multilayer Wound Matrix is built to accommodate moderate to heavy wound exudate and provides effective contouring functionality in wound application.
MatriStem products are medical devices that maintain and support a healing environment through constructive remodelling.
Composed of naturally occurring urinary bladder matrix (UBM), MatriStem maintains an intact epithelial basement membrane that is hypothesised to facilitate the body's natural healing potential.
The MatriStem Multilayer Wound Matrix device is easy to prepare, apply and fixate and requires no special handling or storage requirements. MatriStem Multilayer Wound Matrix is appropriate for both acute and chronic wounds.
MatriStem devices have received multiple 510(k) clearances from the FDA and are indicated for wound management including for pressure ulcers, venous ulcers, diabetic ulcers, surgical wounds and trauma wounds, and the reinforcement of soft tissue where weakness exists in urological, gynaecological and gastroenterological anatomy.
More info to be found at www.acell.com