A NEW dressing which uses state of the art biotechnology could be a game changer for people with diabetic foot ulcers (DFU).
The silicon based, polymer coated dressing is seeded with Cymerus mesenchymal stem cell and has been developed by Cynata Therapeutics.
Cymerus refers to the patented process of generating cell-based products from intermediate cells.
Researchers are looking for volunteers from the Adelaide area to participate in the product's first clinical trial on humans.
The Phase I trial aims to recruit 30 adult patients with DFU. Selected volunteers will be randomly assigned to receive either the new dressing, or standard care.
The trial will take place at Royal Adelaide Hospital and The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Adelaide, under the leadership of University of Adelaide's Professor of Vascular Surgery Robert Fitridge.
Patients will receive study treatment for a period of four weeks, followed by evaluation for a period of 24 weeks. Researchers will trial the safety, healing properties, wound healing, pain and quality of life of patients from 12-24 weeks following treatment.
Cynata chief operating officer Kilian Kelly described commencement of the first human trial as a 'major milestone".
"We look forward to evaluating the effects of this novel treatment on DFU, which are a debilitating and potentially limb or even life-threatening chronic complication of diabetes," Dr Kelly said.
For more information call Dr Ross Macdonald on 0412-119-343, or email ross.macdonald@cynata.com
