Medline Launches SilvaSorb(TM) Line of Antimicrobial Silver Wound Dressings For Chronic Wounds

New Line Comes on Heels of Successful Arglaes Silver Dressings

MUNDELEIN, Ill., Aug. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Medline Industries, Inc., is launching the first line of antimicrobial silver wound dressings that combines sustained release antimicrobial silver with highly effective moisture management materials for helping heal chronic wounds and reducing infection. Called SilvaSorb(TM), this new line is a major addition to Medline's family of controlled-release silver wound care products, including Arglaes(R).

SilvaSorb is a sterile, single use wound dressing for use in moist wound management. It combines patented MicroLattice(TM) technology with the unique, stabilized sustained release silver technology for an effective dressing for use up to seven days. The MicroLattice synthetic matrix helps to maintain an optimal environment for healing by managing the moisture level in the wound. MicroLattice either donates moisture if required or absorbs up to five times its weight in excess wound exudate. It also controls the release of ionic silver when triggered by contact with moisture.

"SilvaSorb is the first wound care dressing to help control the bioburden in a wound and at the same time maintain the right level of moisture for an optimal wound healing environment," said Jonathan Primer, president of Medline's Dermal Management Division. "To heal efficiently, chronic wounds require fluid management and bioburden reduction without destroying healthy tissue - SilvaSorb accomplishes all of this."

As an effective barrier to a broad spectrum of microorganisms, SilvaSorb may help reduce infection by inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, VRE, and other clinically significant microorganisms.

SilvaSorb comes in a variety of formats for optimal use in the management of a variety of wound types such as pressure ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, leg ulcers, skin tears, 1st and 2nd degree burns, grated wounds and donor sites, surgical wounds, and lacerations and abrasions.

Similar to SilvaSorb, Arglaes uses controlled release technology to deliver silver onto the application site. Arglaes is used effectively to help reduce infection on post surgical incision sites, central line sites, pressure ulcers and minor burns. In addition to a transparent film dressing, Arglaes now comes in a powder form to deliver controlled-release antimicrobial silver to any size, shape or depth of wound.

The Power of Ionic Silver and Controlled-Released Polymers

Silver has long been known as a potent antimicrobial agent. Silver nitrate and silver sulfadiazine are well known agents commonly used to control bioburden in the wounds of burn patients. Although recognized for its antimicrobial properties and low toxicity, silver previously has had two inherent concerns: it can stain tissues and confuse wound assessment, and it has a short half-life of activity which necessitates frequent applications to maintain an effective barrier to microorganisms. SilvaSorb and Arglaes are similar and contain silver in a stabilized reservoir that is activated to release ionic silver on contact with moisture. Ionic silver is substantially more active than metallic silver. The release mechanism used by SilvaSorb renders an effective non-toxic level of silver in the wound bed without causing discoloration or staining of the application site.

AcryMed, the company which developed SilvaSorb has received the prestigious "Market Engineering Innovation Award" from Frost & Sullivan for its technological advancement in the effort to help reduce biological burden of the wound area. "This added feature has enhanced the ability of moist wound dressings to create an optimal healing environment in the wound bed," according to Frost & Sullivan

AcryMed, Inc., based in Portland, Oregon, developed and now manufactures SilvaSorb exclusively for Medline for distribution in the United States. Arglaes was developed by Maersk Medical, Inc., based in England. Medline has the exclusive distribution and marketing rights for Arglaes in the United States.

Founded in 1966, Medline is the leading direct supplier of medical products, equipment and textiles to the health care industry. Medline is committed to delivering the best value to its health care customers by combining manufacturer direct pricing with the highest quality products. Based on sales of over $1.2 billion in 2001, Medline is the largest privately held national manufacturer and distributor of medical supplies in the United States. The company ranks No. 279 on Forbes magazine's list of the top 500 private companies. Medline has more than 650 dedicated sales representatives nationwide to support its broad product line and cost management services. Medline distributes over 100,000 products to hospitals, extended care facilities, surgery centers, hospital laundries, home care dealers and agencies and other alternate site markets. With five manufacturing facilities in North America, Medline manufactures 70 percent of the products it sells. More information about Medline! can be found at http://www.medline.com/ .

Source: Medline Industries, Inc.
CONTACT: John J. Marks of Medline Industries, Inc., +1-847-949-3011

Web site: http://www.medline.com/