Collagen is the body's structural building block, comprising about 95% of bone, 75% of skin, and is the main component of other connective tissues (cartilage, tendon and ligament). 27 different types of collagen are known and these have been classified according to molecular composition and tissue distribution. Bone, dermis, tendon, and ligament are predominantly type-I collagen.

Collagen also has important pharmacological properties. It promotes epithelization and tissue granulation through the stimulation of growth factors and increased production of host collagen by fibroblasts, especially when these cells are able to migrate and bind to an extracellular matrix such as provided by a collagen dressing or implant.

Collagen dressings are fully biodegradable. Collagenase enzymes slowly degrade the dressing into constituent amino acids and peptides, such that it is gradually remodelled and replaced by host type-I collagen. This sequence of cellular response, absorption and remodelling of a collagen dressing or implant resembles the normal wound healing mechanism.

Innocoll is developing a series of collagen-based dressings for advanced wound care:

CollaGUARD(TM) and CollaGUARD(TM) Ag

Type-I collagen membrane (or film-type) dressing indicated for the management of superficial and deep wounds, including coverage of skin ulcers and temporary dematoplasty in the case of lesions and burns. CollaGUARD (branded COLLIEVA(TM) in the US) is already approved in Europe as a CE-marked, class III medical device and a US 510k application has also been approved. CollaGUARD Ag includes silver for added antimicrobial action in the management of infected wounds. (EU and US regulatory submission are planned for 2008).

DermaSIL(TM)

A proprietary composite dressing (US patent granted) comprising a collagen layer adhered to silicon foam in order to maintain an optimal wound healing environment. The product is specifically designed for the treatment of deep wounds, or wounds that penetrate the middle and deepest layers of skin, or dermis. These deep wounds occur in second- or third-degree burns and in a variety of acute and/or chronic skin disorders, such as leg and pressure ulcers. EU and US medical device applications are planned for 2008.

Anesthetic and other Medicated Dressings

Innocoll is also seeking partnerships with wound care companies interested in utilizing the CollaRx technology to develop medicated dressings for advanced wound care. The primary application identified is the introduction of a local anesthetic agent to provide pain relief.

Innocoll has already established the feasibility of incorporating such agents (e.g. bupivacaine) into the CollaRx platforms and has filed and IND for CollaRX Bupivacaine Topical intended for the treatment of painful chronic wounds. Other areas of interest include the development of collagen dressings containing antimicrobials to combine the benefits of infection control with wound healing.

Marketing and distribution partnerships for CollaGUARD, CollaGUARD Ag, and DermaSIL in all regions except the US.

Co-development and marketing partners for CollaRx Bupivacaine Topical.