MediWound Announces Peer-Reviewed Publication of EscharEx Mechanism of Action Study Assessing Its Effects on Biofilm and Microbial Loads

Results show EscharEx to be safe and effective, and suggest it can go beyond traditional expectations for enzymatic debridement

YAVNE, Israel, Dec. 21, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MediWound Ltd. (Nasdaq: MDWD), the global leader in next-generation enzymatic therapeutics for tissue repair today announced the publication of a peer-reviewed paper, titled “An Open-label, Proof of Concept Study, Assessing the Effects of Bromelain-Based Enzymatic Debridement on Biofilm and Microbial Loads in Patients with Venous Leg and Diabetic Foot Ulcers” in the December 2023 issue of WOUNDS Journal.

The paper highlights results from a Phase II study, which explored the mechanism of action of EscharEx, a novel bromelain based enzymatic debridement agent, in 12 patients with either venous leg ulcers (VLUs) or diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Results show that EscharEx not only effectively debrides wounds, but also reduces biofilm and bacterial load in both VLUs and DFUs.

Key findings:

• 70% of the patients (7/10) that completed the study achieved complete debridement within a median time of 5.5 days. An average reduction of 35% in wound size was achieved by the end of the 2-week follow-up period.
• In all (100%) six patients positive for biofilm at baseline, EscharEx reduced the biofilm to a single individual or undetectable microorganisms, by the end of treatment based on tissue biopsies.
• Bacterial load was reduced by 64% following treatment with EscharEx based on a fluorescence imaging device.
• EscharEx was shown to be safe and well tolerated.

Dr. Rob Snyder, Chief Medical Officer of MediWound, emphasized the significance of these findings, stating, “Preparing a wound for closure in a timely fashion is critical to help reduce the burden associated with chronic wounds, including the potential downstream consequences of amputation and mortality. Together with the outcomes of our previous Phase II study results, this study furthers the understanding of the effects of EscharEx. It demonstrates its effectiveness not only in enzymatic debridement and promotion of granulation tissue, but potentially also in reducing biofilm and bacterial load. This dual mechanism of action may not only shift the disrupted healing process in chronic wounds towards a normal healing process, but may also prevent severe complications. We look forward to the initiation of the Phase III pivotal study in the second half of 2024 and, ultimately bringing this important non-surgical treatment to the millions of patients affected by chronic wounds.”