(LR-027) Evaluation of MTP Technology in Two Forms in a Swine Wound Healing Study

Clay Fette, MS – Chief Science Officer, FetTech

Introduction: Multi-Tissue Platform (MTP) Gel* and Powder** are FDA-cleared products comprising lung and spleen extracellular matrix, developed for use in a variety of wound healing procedures including post-laser surgery, surgical wounds, donor sites/grafts, partial and full-thickness chronic vascular and diabetic wounds, second degree burns, and tunneled/undermined wounds. This study compared healing rates, biocompatibility, and safety of MTP Gel and Powder in a swine full-thickness wound model.

Methods: Twenty 2-cm diameter, full-thickness dorsal wounds were created on each of 3 pigs. MTP Gel and Powder were each applied to 10 assigned wound beds on each pig, covering the wound surface and filling the wound space. Wounds were subsequently covered with sterile, moistened non-adherent absorbent pads, and were held in place with elastic bandages. Half the wounds in each group on each pig were excised on Day 6 for histopathology. Remaining wounds were uncovered twice weekly, photographs captured, and clinical assessments performed for 4 weeks. Wound measurements were made weekly using digital calipers. On Day 28, wounds were excised with surrounding tissue and analyzed using histopathology.

Results: MTP Gel wounds were statistically smaller (p < 0.5) than MTP Powder wounds on Day 6 but were similar thereafter. Erythema, edema, and extent of granulation were comparable at all time points. Histopathology demonstrated that healing in both groups followed normal wound healing patterns (increased maturation of granulation tissue, decreased epidermal hyperplasia, and complete re-epithelialization). Morphometric measurement of the granulation tissue thickness showed MTP Powder wounds had slightly thicker granulation tissue than MTP Gel wounds at both time points. However, MTP Gel wounds had smaller wound surface lengths than the MTP Powder wounds at both 6 and 28 days and had a higher percent re-epithelialization on Day 6.

Discussion: The difference in early healing rates suggests that solubilization of MTP into Gel form may contain matrix components that are more available for use by the body than in Powder form. However, both products induce comparable wound healing and may therefore each play a valuable role in advanced wound care depending on the type and location of the wound.