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Medihoney™ Derma Cream moisturises and conditions the skin whilst protecting and helping to reduce itching. Seasonal change is a common trigger for dry skin flare-ups, largely due to a decrease in humidity. Winter air tends to be drier than in summertime, sapping moisture out of our skin. Comvita’s Medihoney™ Derma Cream intensively moisturises to relieve, soften and replenish dry, irritated, rough and itchy skin. This sophisticated emollient formulation has the unique ability to boost the natural barrier properties of the skin, helping it to retain moisture where it is most needed. Medihoney™ Derma Cream maintains the skin’s pH at a healthy level, protecting against pH rises that can lead to flare-ups. It also protects vulnerable and at risk dry skin from breakdown and irritation. Medihoney™ Derma Cream provides a gentle solution for dry skin prone to eczema and dermatitis. Medihoney™ Derma Cream is suitable for prolonged use on large areas of skin, sensitive areas such as the face, and children. The Cream contains naturally sourced ingredients including Medihoney™ Antibacterial Honey, Coconut oil, German Chamomile, Evening Primrose oil, Aloe Vera and Vitamin E. Derma Cream contains no added colour, fragrance, steroids, parabens, mineral oils or lanolin. All Medihoney™ wound care and skin care products contain Medihoney™ Antibacterial Honey, a standardised medical grade of antibacterial honey collected predominantly from Leptospermum sp. (including Manuka). Always read the label and use as directed. TAPS: PP6984 Ends Editors notes: References Allergy New Zealand (2006) Eczema. Allergy New Zealand, Auckland. Anderson, K. N., Anderson, L. E. & Glanze, W. D. (Eds.) (2006) Mosby’s Medical, Nursing and Allied Health Dictionary. (6th ed.) St. Louis: The C.V. Mosby Company DermNet NZ (2007) Atopic Dermatitis. New Zealand Dermatological Society Inc.
Everybody (2005) Eczema (atopic dermatitis). CMPMedica(NZ)Ltd.
25 September 2008
Comvita, the global expert in Manuka (Leptospermum) honey is proud to introduce the Medihoney™ brand to New Zealanders
Medihoney™ Antibacterial Honey is the most trialed and tested standardised honey for medical use. A recent clinical trial has shown it helps speed healing with lower incidence of infection¹ on difficult to manage wounds. There are currently at least fifty published clinical studies utilising Medihoney™ products – more than any other type of honey worldwide.
Those who are prone to eczema, dermatitis or dry skin now have a natural choice. New Medihoney™ skincare products provide a pure, gentle and effective option.
Medihoney™ Creams reduce itching while moisturising and protecting the skin. They are suitable for children and babies, perfect for using on the face, suitable for large areas and for prolonged use. A little goes a long way with only a small amount needed to achieve results.
The Australian version of Medihoney™ Derma Cream is one of the top selling household brands of its category in Australian pharmacy.
Medihoney™ Derma Cream and Barrier Cream each contain medical grade antibacterial honey and other naturally sourced ingredients including Coconut oil, German Chamomile flower extract, Evening Primrose oil, Aloe Vera and Vitamin E. They do not contain steroids, colour, fragrance, lanolin, parabens or mineral oil.
The Barrier cream is suitable for use on babies’ bottoms and under skin folds. It can also be used under incontinence pads and around oozing wounds - skin areas that need protection from moisture.
Medihoney™ Barrier Cream has been listed on the Drug Tariff in the UK where it is used in neonatal intensive care units and in surgical and medical wards.
Medihoney™ products are now available in New Zealand health stores and pharmacies.
19 September 2008
COMVITA MEDIHONEY™ PROVEN TO SPEED HEALING IN LEG ULCERS
Randomised controlled clinical trial finds significant healing benefits – speeds healing with reduced infection
Comvita’s Medihoney™ branded Manuka (Leptospermum) honey dressings, have been found in a large randomized controlled clinical trial to significantly improve the healing rates of stalled venous leg ulcers. Prior to this study, no other advanced wound care dressing, under compression therapy, had been shown to improve healing rates of leg ulcers
The trial, a 108-patient randomized and controlled clinical trial, looked at venous leg ulcers that had been proven to be non-healing under standard treatment (compression therapy). In the study, half the patients had a common advanced wound care gel added to the standard treatment, and half had Comvita's Manuka (Leptospermum) dressing added. After four weeks, the mean reduction in size of the wounds was 34% in the honey group and 13% in the control group. After 12 weeks, there was a 44% complete healing rate in the honey group vs. only 33% in the control group. Both these differences were statistically significant.
The findings were published in the Journal of Clinical Nursing, and were written by lead investigators Georgina T. Gethin and Seamus Cowman, both of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. They concluded that, "the [honey] group had shown a greater incidence of healing, more effective desloughing, and lower incidence of infection than the control group."
Comvita CEO Brett Hewlett stated, "We are delighted that this important finding has been recognized in such a well-regarded peer reviewed journal serving the global market. Since the product's launch in New Zealand and Australia followed by Europe a couple of years ago, and the US and Canada this year, clinicians have consistently reported that Manuka (Leptospermum) honey is effective on stalled ulcers of various etiologies. The recently published study provides clear evidence of this by demonstrating results proven in a rigorous randomized controlled trial. Clinicians can have confidence in the value that they place on Medihoney and its role in an overall treatment strategy.
This is significant for our product as currently, only 50% of chronic wounds heal with first-line treatment options. It also provides hope for caregivers and patients who suffer the effects of notoriously painful leg ulcers, with uncommonly long durations - sometimes lasting years."
Wound care is a major healthcare market with an estimated value of $10 billion in 2007 that is expected to grow to $12.5 billion by 2012. The global growth is being driven by several factors, including an aging population, the rise in the global incidence of diabetes and chronic vascular disorders, and a steady advancement in wound care technologies.
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1st July 2008
Medihoney™ Barrier Cream on UK Drug Tariff
50g Tube on FP10 from 1st July 2008
Medihoney™ Barrier Cream helps maintain the skin’s barrier properties, skin moisture and pH. It is now available on Drug Tariff.
Medihoney™ Barrier Cream can be applied to intact and at-risk skin to provide protection from body fluids and moisture. It can be used around wounds and under skin folds where a protective barrier will help prevent skin breakdown. The Cream can also be applied under wound dressings and incontinence pads where the skin can be at-risk of damage.
An increase in the skin’s pH can allow normally harmless enzymes to breakdown the skin and provide a more favourable environment for infecting bacteria. The use of Medihoney™ Barrier Cream helps to maintain the skin's protective pH.
Medihoney™ wound care products from Comvita, the worlds’ largest producer of Leptospermum sp. honey, are supported by over 15 years of international research. Launched in 1999, Medihoney™ products were the first products containing medical honey developed specifically for advanced wound care. A recent study published in the Journal of Wound Care2 concluded that Leptospermum sp. honey supplied by Comvita was "effective in eradicating MRSA from 70% of venous ulcers”.
Medihoney™ Barrier Cream is specially formulated with a range of natural ingredients including 30% Antibacterial Honey to help maintain the skin’s natural barrier.
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1 Gethin G et al; International Wound Journal 2008 Jun; 5(2):185-94.
2 Gethin G et al; Journal of Wound Care 2008 Jun; 17(6): 241-247
Contact:
Medihoney (Europe) Ltd
UK Toll free: 0800 071 3912
Int Tel: 01628 779460
Notes for Editors:
Medihoney™ Barrier Cream 50g is listed in the Drug Tariff in part IXC, Skin Fillers & Protectives - PIP COD E 338 -7644
Indications for Use:
· Protects at-risk skin from breakdown associated with incontinence and can be used under incontinence pads
· Can be used around wound edges to protect the skin from irritation or breakdown caused by wound exudate
· Helps protect the skin from damage caused by friction or shear
· Helps prevent maceration
· Helps prevent excoriation
· Helps maintain the skin pH
· Helps prevent damage to skin caused by frequent hand washing.
About Medihoney™:
Medihoney™ products are setting new standards in advanced wound care. With current international research showing up to 28% reduction in healing times over conventional dressings3 along with a significant reduction in wound pH4, the evidence has never been more compelling. Comvita, owner of Medihoney is the world’s largest manufacturer and marketer of Leptospermum sp (Manuka) honey. A recent study published in the Journal of Wound Care concluded that Leptospermum sp honey supplied by Comvita was "effective in eradicating MRSA from 70% of venous ulcers."5 Few advanced wound care products can match its broad range of uses and still be suitable for long term use on some of our most vulnerable patients. Medihoney products have been cleared by the FDA for sales into the US medical market and have European CE mark conformity assessment.
3 Date on File
4 Gethin G et al; International Wound Journal 2008 Jun;5(2):185-94
5 Gethin G et al; Journal of Wound Care 2008 Jun; 17(6): 241-247
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Clinical trial shows Comvita Medihoney™ eradicates MRSA from chronic venous ulcers
Medihoney™ antibacterial Leptospermum (Manuka) honey eradicates MRSA from 70% of chronic venous ulcers and stimulates healing in chronic wounds
Superbug – methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) continues to dominate global headlines as a formidable hospital-acquired infection, killing thousands of patients each year and becoming a huge burden on healthcare costs.
A randomised controlled trial (RCT) compared the bacteriological effects of Manuka honey with hydrogel, after four weeks 70% of the honey treated wounds versus 16% of the hydrogel treated wounds had MRSA eradicated.
Published in this month’s Journal of Wound Care, the research paper “Bacteriological changes in sloughy venous leg ulcers treated with Manuka honey or hydrogel: an RCT,” was written by Georgina T. Gethin and Seamus Cowman, both of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. They concluded that for sloughy venous ulcers, “the efficacy of honey in eliminating MRSA in such wounds is a positive finding that may have implications for wound management and infection control.”
The authors also concluded that the use of Manuka honey was associated with a significant reduction in wound pain after one week.
A second research paper was published in the current edition of the International Wound Journal and distributed to the attendees of the recent World Union of Wound Healing Societies conference, held in Toronto. This paper "The impact of Manuka honey dressings on the surface pH of chronic wounds," shows that the use of Medihoney™ alginate dressings is associated with a reduction in wound size, possibly driven in part by a significant reduction in overall wound pH.
The authors cite their rationale for researching pH modulation in chronic wounds as follows: "Chronic non-healing wounds have an elevated alkaline environment.” The authors went on to say “Lowering wound pH can potentially reduce protease activity, increase fibroblast activity and increase oxygen release, consequently aiding wound healing."
Anthony Moloney, Comvita General Manager - Medical, says “It’s exciting to see leading international clinical research building the evidence for Medihoney products.
The authors evaluated the progression of 20 non-healing ulcers of various aetiologies following application of the dressings over a period of two weeks. The dressings were provided by Comvita.
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.
A MedMarket Diligence report published in November 2007¹ states “the worldwide wound management market stood at $4.6 billion in 2007 and will reach $11.5 billion by 2016.
“Dressings with high therapeutic value are set to dominate the growth in advanced wound care” said Moloney. “ These studies show that Medihoney dressings can both clear wounds of drug resistant bacteria and stimulate healing of non healing chronic wounds making these dressings amongst the best available in advanced wound care.”
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¹ Report #245:”Worldwide Wound Management, 2007-2016: Established and Emerging Products, Technologies and Markets in the U.S., Europe, Japan and Rest of World.” November 2007 by MedMarket Diligence, LLC.
What is a chronic wound?
A chronic wound is a wound that does not heal in an orderly set of stages and in a predictable amount of time the way most wounds do; wounds that do not heal within three months are often considered chronic (Wikipedia.)
What is slough?
Slough is the formation of a viscous, predominantly yellow layer of tissue.
ENDS
20 February 2008
Comvita’s new Medihoney™ Barrier and Derma Creams for protection and moisture control
Normal skin has a naturally acidic protective mantle. The acid mantle helps to hydrate the skin by protecting it from drying and from harmful bacteria. Skin ailments such as eczema and dermatitis are linked to a disrupted acid mantle with subsequent colonisation by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus.
Changes to the skin’s pH can allow normally harmless enzymes to breakdown the skin. The use of Medihoney™ Creams helps maintain the skin's protective pH.
Barrier Cream is designed for use on wet areas. It can be applied to intact and at-risk skin to provide protection from body fluids and moisture. It can be used around wounds and under skin folds where a protective barrier will help prevent skin breakdown. The cream can also be applied under wound dressings and incontinence pads where the skin can be at-risk of damage. Medihoney™ Barrier Cream helps maintain the skin’s barrier properties and maintain skin moisture.
Medihoney™ Derma Cream is uniquely formulated for dry and vulnerable skin. It can be used on large skin areas and under compression or wound dressings to protect intact skin from breakdown and irritation caused by dryness, friction or shear. Derma Cream protects and moisturises dry skin and can help reduce itching.
Derma and Barrier Cream each contain 30% Medihoney™ Antibacterial Honey and other natural ingredients.
Anthony Moloney, General Manager, Comvita Medical; says “In vitro studies have shown Staphylococcus aureus to be one of the most sensitive bacteria to Medihoney™’s Antibacterial Honey; a proprietary, standardized medical honey from predominantly Leptospermum sp. (Manuka), developed to maximise its effects against a wide range of organisms.”
In 2007, the journal Wounds featured an article that evaluated the in vitro activity of Medihoney™ Antibacterial Honey against a challenge set of 127 clinical isolates with multiple antibiotic resistance. The study showed that the Medihoney™ Antibacterial Honey was effective at inhibiting these bacteria irrespective of their level of antibiotic resistance. It was particularly effective against Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA down to a 4% dilution¹.
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References:
1. George NM & Cutting K F 2007. Antibacterial Honey (Medihoney™): in-vitro Activity Against Clinical Isolates of MRSA, VRE, and Other Multiresistant Gram-negative Organisms Including Pseudomonas aeroginosa. J Wounds; 19(9): 231-236
2. Taskapan MO & Kumar P 2000. Role of staphylococcal superantigens in atopic dermatitis: from colonisation to inflammation. Annals of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology; 84(1): 3-10
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Comvita acquires New Zealand's leading medical honey producer
Comvita has purchased a North Island apiary business that specialises in the production of medical grade Leptospermum (Manuka) honey. The purchase includes 3000 bee hives located on 150 Manuka sites as well as a state-of-the-art medical grade honey extraction facility, land and buildings.
The purchase price is $2.15 million. 20% of the purchase price will be paid for with the issue of Comvita shares. The balance will be in cash. The acquisition is earnings accretive for Comvita.
The former owner of the apiary business, Bruce Stevenson, has been retained in a consultative role to work with Comvita over the next three years with a view to expanding and perfecting the medical honey supply programme. The programme will develop in line with growing demands around the world for Comvita's medical products sold under the Medihoney™ brand name.
Comvita's CEO Brett Hewlett stated that following recent FDA approvals for Medihoney™ Alginate and Gel Sheet wound dressings it is important to provide complete security over raw material supply. "This move fulfils the strategic objective of ensuring influence over the entire value chain for medical honey; from raw material supply through to market access. Owning a 'model site' enables us to further develop the most efficient procedures to harvest this unique and special resource and to set the highest standards for our medical honey supply programme. We can then work with all of Comvita's beekeeper suppliers to create maximum value for everyone."
Bruce Stevenson says, "the Medical honey project has exciting potential and the prospects look all the more promising with Comvita taking the lead in developing the supply programme."
Comvita's US licensee, Derma Sciences, reports that sales of the newly launched Medihoney™ Alginate wound dressings are building well and have exceeded expectations. "Clinical evidence from around the world for Medihoney™ is now very strong and US clinicians are compelled to try the products. Their response so far to a large number of trials has been very positive and we are encouraged by the reports that we are getting back from the US", said Hewlett.
Operational responsibility for the day to day running of the apiary business will remain in the hands of the current Management. "This apiary business has developed into one of the country’s finest under the existing management. They have been extremely innovative and developed practises that have resulted in superior yields and product quality. We want to retain and continue to build on this specialist knowledge" said Hewlett.
Comvita Receives Second FDA 510K Clearance for Next Generation Medihoney™ Wound Dressings
Next generation Gel Sheet dressings will expand the market to cover more wound types
Comvita today announced that their US Licensee Derma Sciences has received FDA 510K clearance for the company’s second dressing in the MEDIHONEY™ line. The Gel Sheet dressing is indicated for use on wounds with light to moderate exudate, and – based on its hydrocolloidal properties – forms a gel when it comes into contact with wound fluid to assist in promoting a moist environment conducive to healing. Hydrocolloids are the most commonly used advanced wound care dressings, as most chronic wounds fall into the category of light to moderate exudate.
It is estimated that over US$150 million in hydrocolloids will be sold in 2007 in the US alone. The first MEDIHONEY™ dressing from Derma Sciences, cleared for use by the FDA in July 2007, is in an alginate base and is indicated for wounds with moderate to heavy levels of exudate.
The Gel Sheet dressing is a significant development says Comvita CEO, Brett Hewlett. “It is a platform technology that allows development of a range of products that are simultaneously efficacious and easy for clinicians to use.”
The new dressings, both in adhesive and non-adhesive versions, have been shown to lower the pH level of wounds. This is significant in that much recent attention has been focused on the effect of pH modulation in wounds, and the research suggests that lowering the pH of a wound helps to create a more optimal environment for wound healing. When wound pH is lowered, it has been shown that protease modulation and increased oxygen diffusion takes place, both beneficial for hard-to-heal wounds.
Additionally, the dressings – due to their high levels of glucose and other sugars, have been shown to promote a strong osmotic effect. This osmotic effect, drawing fluid from surrounding tissues, helps to constantly bathe wounds in lymph fluid, which assists in the removal of necrotic tissue, slough, and debris from the wound bed.
Speaking of the recent 510K clearance, Derma Sciences’ CEO Edward Quilty said, “This is another important milestone in the launch of MEDIHONEY™ dressings. Ultimately, we intend to offer clinicians a complete line of dressings based on the patented honey-based wound dressing technologies we have licensed from our partner, Comvita Ltd. Since our recent launch only a month ago, initial sales and product trials have exceeded our expectations.”
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