News and Events

New data confirms strong antimicrobial activity of Flaminal^® on MRSA

In a study recently published in Wounds, Flaminal^®, an alginate gel dressing containing a unique antimicrobial enzyme system, has been shown to kill antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, including MRSA, and promote wound healing.1 

Flaminal^® contains a glucose oxidase lactoperoxidase guaiacol (GLG) enzyme system, an improved version of the naturally occurring oxidase-peroxidase enzyme system, which has been shown in a number of studies to be bactericidal.  Unlike many of the current antimicrobial dressings, which kill bacterial and human cells indiscriminately, Flaminal^® combines strong antimicrobial activity with non-cytotoxicity i.e. it does not damage the human cells involved in wound healing.

The study, performed by researchers at Flen Pharma NV, investigated the susceptibility of a wide range of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains to the GLG-system.  Of these, MRSA strains were most sensitive.  Additional tests clearly showed that the antimicrobial activity of the GLG system is retained in the alginate-based wound dressing with all bacterial cells being killed within 6 hours and in some strains, all bacterial cells were killed in just 3 hours.  Cytotoxicity studies were performed comparing Flaminal^® with other wound dressings with or without an antimicrobial agent.  Keratinocyte and fibroblast survival was comparable between Flaminal^®, normal growth medium and wound dressings without an antimicrobial agent.  Dressings with antimicrobial agents were associated with a significantly lower keratinocyte and fibroblast survival.  

Flaminal^®, developed by Flen Pharma NV, was launched in the UK by Ark Therapeutics in 2006.  It is available, on prescription, in two formulations: Flaminal^® Forte is designed for use on moderate to heavily exuding wounds and has a higher alginate content, whereas Flaminal^®Hydro is intended for more lightly exuding wounds and contains less alginate.

Reference

1. De Smet, K, van den Plas, D, Lens, D, and Sollie, P. Pre-clinical Evaluation of a New Antimicrobial Enzyme for the Control of Wound Bioburden. Wounds 21(3), 65-73. 3-3-2009.