UPM’s FibDex® Replaces Synthetic Materials in Wound Dressing with Nanocellulose

 

The novel wood-based wound dressing offers significant benefits for both patients and hospitals and is ready to be sold on the European market after receiving regulatory approval and CE mark.

Healing a wound as efficiently and comfortably as possible is vital for recovering patients. UPM, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital have united their expertise to create a new breakthrough in wound care, FibDex®, to do just that. In addition to its great performance and benefits for both patients and hospitals, this innovative wound dressing is made of sustainable and natural wood-based raw material.

Increased comfort and improved scar quality
FibDex is a great example of a sustainable innovation in the medical industry. The wound dressing is made from renewable and responsibly sourced Finnish birch. In FibDex, UPM utilises biocompatible nanocellulose derived from birch and then further processes it into the final product. This patented technology results in excellent performance and benefits.

Patients have reported FibDex to be comfortable to use throughout the treatment. The wound dressing is a one-time only application and it peels off when the wound has healed. FibDex both absorbs exudate from wound as well as provides a favourable moist environment for quicker healing. In addition, using FibDex has improved scar quality.

Vigorous testing ensures safety
FibDex has been developed in collaboration with researchers from the University of Helsinki, Faculty of Pharmacy, as well as with surgeons from the Helsinki Burn Centre, Department of Plastic Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital. Prior to receiving the CE mark, FibDex has undergone vigorous preclinical safety and efficacy tests followed by clinical trials that have centered on the treatment of skin graft donor sites.

Extensive testing has proven to be worth the effort with the product meeting EU medical device standards and having been awarded CE mark. With the CE mark, FibDex is ready to be sold to health care experts in European hospitals and clinics.

FibDex is the third commercialised product from UPM Biomedicals, which develops advanced healing solutions and products supporting cell-based research.

TAPPI
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