New publications
Proven efficacy of a spray with skin cells in the treatment of trophic ulcers
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
A topical spray containing skin cells, developed by the American company Healthpoint Biotherapeutics, was tested on 228 patients with trophic ulcers.
The results of the trials of the new wound healing agent were published in the August issue of The Lancet.
In addition to donor skin cells, it contains blood clotting factors.
During the study of the spray's effect, it was found that the optimal effect is achieved by treating trophic ulcers once every 14 days.
The size of the wound "began to shrink rapidly" immediately after the first treatment, the scientists said. Seventy percent of patients treated with the skin spray had their ulcers completely healed after three months, compared with 46 percent of patients treated with the other treatment.
According to one of the researchers involved in the creation and testing of the new spray, Herbert Slade, "the tested treatment can significantly reduce the time of wound healing and improve the general condition of the limb without skin grafting," which is practiced in severe cases.
Trophic ulcer (Greek trophē - nutrition) is a long-term non-healing skin defect that occurs due to a disruption of its nutrition. Trophic ulcers of venous etiology account for 70% of all ulcers of the lower extremities.
The occurrence of an ulcer against the background of decompensated chronic venous insufficiency is in the overwhelming majority of cases caused by varicose veins (4:1), less often by post-thrombotic disease.
Trophic ulcers of the leg usually occur as a complication of varicose veins of the lower extremities. These are difficult-to-heal wounds, for the treatment of which compression bandages or skin grafting are currently used. Compression treatment lasts at least six months, its effectiveness does not exceed 70 percent.
The current spray trials were aimed at checking its safety and establishing the optimal dosage. Further studies are needed to decide on the advisability of using this spray in cases of trophic ulcers.
Experts believe that despite the high cost of the spray with skin cells and blood clotting factors, it may be more economical than existing treatments for trophic ulcers, since it acts much faster.