Collagen bioscaffolds used to treat diabetic ulcers, save limbs

Apr 22 2009

San Diego surgeons report that they have been successfully utilizing a collagen bioscaffold material developed by Irvine-based Pegasus Biologics, Inc. to complement soft tissue repair and regeneration among high risk wound patients.

Gerit D. Mulder DPM, MS, FAPWCA, Director of the Wound Treatment and Research Center at UCSD and Daniel K. Lee DPM, FACFAS, Director of Podiatric Surgery at UCSD have incorporated Pegasus Biologics' collagen bioscaffold technology into limb-saving and reconstruction procedures. They are successfully treating complex diabetic foot ulcers with the new technology where historically the options have been limited for these patients.

Unite® Biomatrix, FDA cleared as a collagen wound dressing, is comprised of highly organized collagen, which is a protein the body uses for tissue formation. Its resistance to premature enzymatic degradation and uncompromised strength supports the natural healing environment. The innovative science behind Pegasus Biologics' proprietary processing and sterilization technologies allows Unite Biomatrix to address the demands of a challenging wound healing environment.

"As a surgeon faced with numerous complex wound care cases, this material is very easy to work with as it is pliable but durable and can easily be secured to the wound," said Dr. Mulder. "The patient benefits are significant as well -- I believe this product provides patients with a new option for limb salvage, even in severe cases where amputation would have been the procedure of choice."

"Pegasus Biologics' Unite Biomatrix material provides us with a safe, sterile and biologically conductive scaffold with uncompromised strength and resistance to premature enzymatic degradation while supporting the physiologic healing environment," said Dr. Lee. "It's a material that can be beneficial in a variety of surgical procedures and applications."

"It's rewarding to see our technology utilized so effectively in the realms of wound care and limb salvage centers of excellence," said Michael Will, Pegasus Biologics' CEO. "In the relatively short time since we launched Unite Biomatrix, we have seen countless dramatic, life-saving examples of healing in the chronic complex wound arena. We look forward to working with more of the nation's leading wound care specialists, such as Doctors Mulder and Lee."

Pegasus Biologics recently reported the 10,000 th surgical procedure utilizing its technology, which also took place at UCSD.

About Pegasus Biologics, Inc.

Pegasus Biologics, Inc. (Irvine, CA) is a privately held company focused on the research, development and commercialization of next generation biologics utilizing the Company's unique and patented technologies. Additional information on the Company can be found at www.pegasusbio.com.