The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended UrgoStart, an interactive dressing, for treating diabetic foot ulcers and venous leg ulcers.
The appraisal committee made the recommendation based on evidence which showed that UrgoStart had better wound healing in diabetic foot ulcers compared with non-interactive dressings. For venous leg ulcers, it was found to accelerate wound healing in the short term compared with non-interactive dressings, however, its effects on complete wound healing have not been completely established.
UrgoStart is an interactive dressing impregnated with technology lipido-colloid (TLC) and nano-oligosaccharide factor (NOSF). While TLC is believed to produce a moist protective environment conducive for wound healing, NOSF inhibits the activity of proteases, particularly matrix metalloproteinases, thereby speeding up the healing process.
Cost analyses suggest that use of UrgoStart for overall management of diabetic foot ulcers and venous leg ulcers could be a cost-saving option for the NHS. It is estimated that if 25% of individuals with diabetic foot ulcers switch to UrgoStart from a non-interactive dressing, it could translate to savings of up to £5.4 million each year for the NHS.
