ConvaTec Launches Revolutionary New AQUACEL™ Ag+ Wound Dressings in Europe, Canada and Asia

-- Ground-breaking technology destroys biofilm and kills infection-causing bacteria – re-defines antimicrobial dressing market

SKILLMAN, New Jersey, Feb. 6, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- ConvaTec, a leading global medical products and technologies company, today announced the launch of its revolutionary new AQUACEL™ Ag+ wound dressings in countries in the European Union, Canada, Hong Kong and Malaysia following completion of the CE Mark process and clearance from Health Canada. The ground-breaking new dressings will launch in additional countries throughout the year.

ConvaTec's new Ag+ Technology destroys wound biofilm and kills infection-causing bacteria in the wound dressing, as demonstrated in an in vitro biofilm model.

The new dressing combines ConvaTec's Hydrofiber™ Technology -- which works to absorb and retain excess exudate to help create an ideal healing environment* -- with the new Ag+ Technology.  Together, the two technologies provide one highly effective weapon against the three key barriers to wound healing: excess exudate, infection and biofilm.

Biofilm is formed when colonies of bacteria secrete a slime layer to protect themselves. A majority of chronic wounds contain biofilm.

"Biofilm is a new frontier in wound care," said Phil Bowler, VP of Science and Technology. "It is involved in most infections, is extremely difficult to remove, reforms quickly and is a key cause of delayed wound healing.

"We've come a long way in managing excess exudate and infection with our Hydrofiber™ Technology," adds Bowler. "AQUACEL™ Ag+ Dressings take wound care to a completely new level. This product truly breaks new ground, by adding biofilm-fighting technology to our AQUACEL™ Ag Dressings, and, ultimately, improving healing outcomes for patients.

"This, in turn, can mean reduced total cost of care for hospitals and other payers. For most acute and chronic wounds, the question will be, 'Why use anything else?'"

In addition to in vitro data, an in vivo study with a biofilm model has shown that the new dressing significantly reduced biofilm and improved epithelialization and granulation rates (ie, re-growth of the upper skin layer and the new, healthy tissue that fills in an open wound bed during healing), compared to a standard PHMB gauze dressing. Dressings with the Ag+ Technology were piloted in 2013 with patients in the UK, Canada, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Spain, Poland, Czech Republic and other countries, and delivered consistently compelling results.

The family of AQUACEL™ Ag+ dressings includes AQUACEL™ Ag+ Extra™ and AQUACEL™ Ag+ Ribbon Dressing for tunneling wounds.

About ConvaTec
ConvaTec is a global medical products and technologies company, with leading market positions in ostomy care, wound therapeutics, continence and critical care, and infusion devices. Our products provide a range of clinical and economic benefits, including infection prevention, protection of at-risk skin, improved patient outcomes and reduced total cost of care. Our brands include AQUACEL™ advanced wound dressings, which form a gel on contact with wound fluid, creating an optimal environment for wound healing.  ConvaTec has over 8,000 employees, with 11 manufacturing sites in 8 countries, and we do business in more than 100 countries.  We are owned by Nordic Capital and Avista Capital Partners. More information is available at www.convatec.com.

*As demonstrated in vitro

References are available upon request.

TM indicates trademarks of ConvaTec Inc.  AQUACEL and Hydrofiber are registered trademarks in the U.S.

© 2014 ConvaTec Inc.          AP-014201-MM