Integra Omnigraft Dermal Regeneration Matrix approved to treat certain diabetic foot ulcers

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved a new indication for the Integra Omnigraft Dermal Regeneration Matrix (Omnigraft) to treat certain diabetic foot ulcers. The matrix device, which is made of silicone, cow collagen, and shark cartilage, is placed over the ulcer and provides an environment for new skin and tissue to regenerate and heal the wound.

An estimated 29 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and about 25 percent of them will experience a foot ulcer during their lifetime. Chronic diabetic foot ulcers are associated with tissue and bone infections and result in 50,000 amputations each year.

"We are excited to see a new innovation in diabetes care with the potential to improve the number of foot ulcers that heal," said William Maisel, M.D., M.P.H., acting director of the Office of Device Evaluation in the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health. "Healing of these painful and debilitating ulcers is essential for patients to resume walking and other daily activities."

The FDA first approved Integra Dermal Regeneration Template (which the company now also calls Omnigraft) in 1996 for the treatment of life threatening burn injuries when the use of a patient's own skin for a graft was not possible. In 2002, Integra Dermal Regeneration Template was approved for a new indication to treat patients undergoing reconstructive surgery for burn scars when they cannot have skin grafts. Now, Omnigraft is approved to treat certain diabetic foot ulcers that last for longer than six weeks and do not involve exposure of the joint capsule, tendon or bone, when used in conjunction with standard diabetic ulcer care.

Omnigraft's new indication is based on a clinical study that demonstrated that the matrix device improved ulcer healing compared to standard diabetic foot ulcer care, which includes cleaning and covering the wound with a surgical bandage and keeping weight off of the foot with the ulcer. In the study, 51 percent of patients treated with Omnigraft had healed ulcers after 16 weeks compared to 32 percent of patients treated with standard diabetic foot ulcer care alone.

Adverse events observed in the clinical trial included infections, increased pain, swelling, nausea, and new or worsening ulcers.

Omnigraft shouldnot be used in patients with allergies to cow (bovine) collagen or chondroitin (cartilage from any source) since serious allergic reactions may occur. Omnigraft should also not be used on infected wounds.

Omnigraft is manufactured by Integra LifeSciences Corporation of Plainsboro, New Jersey.