Cod skin outperforms synthetics in accelerating burn re-epithelialization before grafting
Cod skin accelerates burn healing over synthetics via preserved matrix components. Evidence from observational use and small trials supports shorter intervals to grafting, though larger RCTs are needed. Public-health impact centers on reduced complications and resource use in acute burn management.
Wider adoption could lower overall treatment costs by reducing dressing changes and ICU days, particularly in low-resource settings where fish skin is locally sourced and shelf-stable. Regulatory pathways in Europe and the U.S. have already cleared the product for certain wound indications, yet long-term scarring outcomes and immunogenicity require further tracking. Next steps include a planned 200-patient RCT comparing cod skin directly against standard of care with primary endpoints of time to closure and graft take rate.
Kerecis: 150-patient RCT will report >25% faster re-epithelialization versus controls by month 14 post-enrollment.
Sources (2)
- [1]Primary Source(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0305417922001234)
- [2]Supporting Source(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36123456/)