Medihoney™ Proven To Speed Healing In Leg Ulcers

Media Release

Comvita Medihoney™ Proven To Speed Healing In Leg Ulcers

19 September 2008

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.

ENDS

Notes:

About Comvita:
Comvita has a global reputation for premium healthcare products and is committed to the development of innovative natural products based on scientific research. Comvita announced the acquisition of Medihoney on July 01 2007 in a strategy to become the global leader in medical honey. Backed by a proud 30-year heritage in therapeutic bee-based products, Comvita is the world’s largest manufacturer and marketer of Manuka (Leptospermum) honey, however in more recent times the company has been developing other innovative and unique ingredient platforms that meet consumer preferences in natural healthcare. Comvita offers products in the categories of Woundcare, Healthcare, Skincare and Functional Food. Comvita has offices in New Zealand, Hong Kong, Australia, Japan, Taiwan and the UK and sells product in over 20 countries.

About the Medihoney Brand:

Comvita’s Medihoney™ brand incorporates a range of leading skin and wound care products that are challenging the reliance on synthetic medicines and treatments. Comvita is setting new standards in the management of acute and chronic wounds and in the protection of vulnerable and at-risk skin. Clinical trials are being conducted to further investigate the use of Medihoney products for a range of indications including infection control, paediatric burns, leg and foot ulcers, surgical wounds, ophthalmology, haemodialysis exit-sites and control of malodour in chronic wounds.

The Journal of Clinical Nursing (JCN) is an international, peer reviewed, scientific journal that seeks to promote the development and exchange of knowledge that is directly relevant to all spheres of nursing practice. The primary aim is to promote a high standard of clinically related scholarship which supports the practice and discipline of nursing. JCN publishes high quality papers on issues related to clinical nursing, regardless of where care is provided. This includes - but is not limited to - ambulatory care, community care, family care, home, hospital, practice, primary and secondary, and public health.

For more information on the Journal of Clinical Nursing, please visit: http://www.blackwellpublishing.com/journal.asp?ref=0962-1067

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