We have designed a pilot study to investigate the effect and potential utility of topical NuvagenTM (collagen powder) on the rate and quality of wound healing in healthy volunteers using the punch biopsy method. After inducing an acute full-thickness wound, the rate of complete healing of a wound treated with topical NuvagenTM (collagen powder) will be compared to the rate of complete healing of a wound treated with primary closure with sutures, the current gold standard. Qualification and semi-quantification of histologic and immunohistochemical markers will be used to assess the maturity and structural stability of the wound bed. Positive findings would suggest that NuvagenTM (collagen powder) may be capable of stimulating the healing of acute wounds in a similar or even superior manner to primary closure, suggesting collagen powder may be used in place of sutures, and encouraging further studies to characterize its therapeutic potential in dermatologic surgery.
Each patient received a single 4mm punch biopsy on each anterior thigh to provide for internalized controls. One wound was managed with PC, while the other was treated with daily topical collagen powder for up to four weeks. Prior to each biopsy, the areas were cleansed with an alcohol swab and anesthetized using 1 mL of 2% lidocaine with epinephrine. An Integra Miltex 4.0 mm Standard Biopsy Punch instrument was used to create full-thickness wounds and pressure was applied with gauze until hemostasis occurred. Up to one gram of topical type 1, 100% bovine collagen powder (NuvagenTM, CPN Biosciences, Inc., Largo, FL) was placed on one wound before covering it with a non-adherent sterile dressing. The other wound underwent PC with two epidermal sutures (Ethilon Nylon Sutures, Ethicon, Somerville, NJ) and was similarly covered with a sterile dressing. At the four week follow-up, wounds were re-biopsied following the same procedures. For home treatment, patients were provided with collagen powder in one-gram containers and dressings along with the following instructions: 1) Irrigate the wound with tap water or saline solution, 2) Dry the wound with gently with dry gauze, 3) Apply up to one gram of collagen powder to the wound, and 4) Apply a sterile dressing. Assistance from a caregiver was permitted as needed. This procedure was repeated daily for four weeks after the first biopsy and until wound closure after the second biopsy. For wounds closed primarily, patients were instructed to apply petroleum jelly before covering the wounds with sterile dressings.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
8
Daily application of Nuvagen collagen powder for 2 to 4 weeks following wounding
George Washington Medical Faculty Associates
Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States
Change in Wound Diameter
Change in wound diameter will be assessed digitally from photographs of the wounds obtained at several distinct time points, both at the time of wounding and afterwards. The diameter of the biopsy wound is measured to reflect a change from baseline in wound size day 0 and again at week 4.
Time frame: 4 weeks after first biopsy
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