Healthcare Industry News: Leptospermum Honey
News Release - April 8, 2008
New Study Shows the Use of MEDIHONEY(TM) Wound & Burn Dressing is Associated With Reduction in Wound Size
International Wound Journal article cites pH modulation as a key method of actionPRINCETON, N.J., April 8, 2008 (HSMN NewsFeed) -- Derma Sciences Inc (OTC Bulletin Board: DSCI ), a provider of advanced wound care products, announced today that the most recent study involving MEDIHONEY(TM) Wound & Burn Dressing shows that use of the dressings are associated with a reduction in wound size, possibly driven in part by a significant reduction in overall wound pH. The 20-patient study will be published in the May edition of the International Wound Journal. The article -- "The impact of Manuka honey dressings on the surface pH of chronic wounds" -- was written by Georgina T. Gethin, Seamus Cowman and Ronan Conroy, all of the Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, Ireland. The May edition of the International Wound Journal is a special edition of this globally-recognized peer-reviewed journal, and will be distributed to the attendees of the upcoming World Union of Wound Healing Societies conference, to be held in Toronto this June 4-8.
According to the abstract for the article, the authors evaluated the progression of 20 non-healing ulcers of various etiologies following application of the dressings over a period of two weeks. The dressings were provided by Derma Sciences' global commercialization partner, Comvita New Zealand, Inc. The authors cite their rationale for researching pH modulation in chronic wounds as follows:
"Chronic non-healing wounds have an elevated alkaline environment. The acidic pH of Manuka honey makes it a potential treatment for lowering wound pH, but the duration of the effect is unknown. Lowering wound pH can potentially reduce protease activity, increase fibroblast activity and increase oxygen release, consequently aiding wound healing."
After two weeks of treatment with the dressings, the authors concluded that, for this group of previously non-healing ulcers, "the use of Manuka honey dressings was associated with a statistically significant decrease in wound pH and a reduction in wound size." Significant wound progression during a two-week period is noted as a strong predictor of good wound healing outcomes.
Commenting on the article, Derma Sciences CEO Edward Quilty said, "Method of action is obviously an important component to having a better understanding of a medical device. Based on the results clinicians have seen all over the world, and recently here since our launch in the US and Canada, we have known for quite some time that the dressings work. Now we are getting a better understanding as to 'why'. Providing the answer to this question will no doubt increase product usage, as it makes clinicians feel more comfortable that the product has been studied thoroughly, it is effective, and we understand why it is effective. Although pH modulation and the product's high osmolarity have long been thought to contribute to the effectiveness of the product, it is rewarding to see these beliefs are being confirmed through good, well structured trials."
He also added, "This is yet another important study focused on non-healing or recalcitrant wounds that are not progressing with other advanced wound care modalities. It will only help to improve MEDIHONEY(TM)'s growing reputation as an effective dressing to 'kick-start' the healing process. This is what clinicians are reporting to us after their lengthy clinical evaluations. As we planned, we believe clinicians are gaining significant confidence in our dressing for very troublesome wounds. Once this is established in the market, it then becomes only a matter of time before the dressing is more commonly used even from the onset of a wound. This will be reflected in growing product sales as we ramp up throughout 2008 and into 2009."
About Derma Sciences
Derma Sciences is a manufacturer and marketer of advanced wound-care products, with operations based in the US and Canada, and sales worldwide. The company recently launched its MEDIHONEY(TM) Wound & Burn dressings with Active Leptospermum Honey. The Company has also obtained FDA clearance to market and sell its MOBILITY1(TM) boot and compressor device for the treatment of venous ulcers, lymphedema, and other conditions that require compression therapy. For more information about Derma Sciences, Inc., visit its home page on the Internet at http://www.dermasciences.com.
About the International Wound Journal
International Wound Journal (IWJ) is a multi-disciplinary forum providing the best quality information, research data and education on all aspects of wounds and wound healing in the fields of surgery, dermatology, oncology, nursing, radiotherapy, physiotherapy, and podiatry. Peer-reviewed, the Journal is the primary information resource for all healthcare professionals caring for patients with wound infections, the diabetic foot, leg ulcers and chronic wounds. The Editorial Team represents the full spectrum of health professionals involved in the care of patients with wounds, ensuring only the most current and comprehensive research impacting on patient care is published. Reflecting the international nature of the Journal, all key abstracts are translated into French, German, Italian, Spanish and Swedish. IWJ is indexed by MEDLINE and CINAHL. Information on the journal can be found at http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/journal.asp?ref=1742-4801&site=1.
Forward-looking Statements
Statements contained in this release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, words such as "may," "will," "expect," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "could," "estimate" or "continue" are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that certain important factors may affect the Company's actual results and could cause such results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements which may be made in this release or which are otherwise made by or on behalf of the Company. Factors which may affect the Company's results include, but are not limited to, product demand, market acceptance, impact of competitive products and prices, product development, completion of an acquisition, commercialization or technological difficulties, the success or failure of negotiations and trade, legal, social and economic risks. Additional factors that could cause or contribute to differences between the Company's actual results and forward-looking statements Include but are not limited to, those discussed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Source: Derma Sciences
Issuer of this News Release is solely responsible for its
content.
Please address inquiries directly to the issuing company.
