FibDex® wound dressing – made from nanofibrillar cellulose by UPM Biomedicals – has taken a significant step in its path to market, as leading medical device distributor Steripolar Oy now sells the product in Finland. FibDex is the first clinical product of renowned forest-based bioindustry company UPM and shows promising signs for future developments, such as cell therapy.
UPM Biomedicals products are made from Finnish birch traceably sourced from sustainably managed forests. FibDex was developed in collaboration with researchers from the University of Helsinki and surgeons and nursing staff from the Helsinki Burn Centre. The research and development began in 2007 and has so far led to three commercial products; including the GrowDex® and GrowInk™ hydrogels used in drug development and 3D cell culture.
FibDex wound dressings have been tested by plastic surgeons and found to offer optimal conditions for wound healing. The dressings gradually peel away as wounds heal, eliminating the need for dressing changes and avoiding damage to the new skin. This is highly convenient for patients and cost efficient for hospitals or health centres.
The biomedical research of nanocellulose has produced more than dozen patents in over 80 countries. The research has been led by Professor Marjo Yliperttula from the University of Helsinki, who stated: “Nanocellulose has surprised the researchers time and time again. Several new treatments are being studied, promising faster healing and discharge of patients.”
