Dermagraft® Human-Fibroblast-Derived Dermal Substitute
Dermagraft® dermal (skin) substitute is used to treat diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) that extend through the dermis, and have not healed in more than 6 weeks. DFUs are a common and chronic complication of diabetes. Dermagraft dermal substitute, which is made of human fibroblast cells derived from newborn foreskin tissue, helps DFUs to heal. The first step in the Dermagraft treatment process is to thoroughly clean the DFU. Then, Dermagraft dermal substitute, which contains a dissolvable mesh fabric, is placed over the DFU, and covered with a sterile dressing. According to the manufacturer's website, Dermagraft dermal substitute "helps to restore the compromised DFU dermal bed to facilitate healing by providing a substrate over which the patient's own epithelial cells can migrate to close the wound." It can be applied weekly, with a maximum of 8 treatments allowed during a 12-week period.
Dermagraft dermal substitute heals more chronic DFUs than traditional therapy alone. Although effective for ulcers located anywhere on the foot, it cannot be used on infected tissue, or on exposed tendons, muscles, joint capsules or bones.