MARIETTA, Ga., Aug. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --MiMedx Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: MDXG), an integrated developer, manufacturer and marketer of patent protected regenerative biomaterials and bioimplants processed from human amniotic membrane, announced today that its study "Biological Properties of Dehydrated Human Amnion/Chorion Grafts: Implications for Chronic Wound Healing" has been electronically published in the International Wound Journal. The electronic publication of the study is available at http://mimedx.com/images/pdf/Koob_IWJ_Scientific_Article_12140.pdf. The hard copy is scheduled to be published in the December 2013 edition of the International Wound Journal.
MiMedx's proprietary PURION® processed dehydrated human amnion/chorion tissue allografts (dHACM), specifically, the MiMedx EpiFix® allograft, was the subject of the study. EpiFix® was evaluated for the presence of growth factors, interleukins (ILs) and tissue inhibitors of enzymes that degrade the extracellular matrix, or metalloproteinases. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted, and it was clearly established that:
- PURION® processed dHACM retains biologically active growth factors and regulatory factors that are at least partially responsible for its clinical effectiveness in wound healing;
- dHACM contains one or more soluble factors that stimulate mesenchymal stem cell migration and recruitment; and
- dHACM is a multifaceted tissue graft that has the potential to positively affect at least four distinct physiological processes: cell proliferation, inflammation, metalloproteinase activity, and recruitment of stem cells - all of which are integral to regenerative wound healing and soft tissue repair.
"As we stated in our previous press release, this research concludes that when applied to a chronic wound, our proprietary PURION® processed EpiFix® allografts act as a 'stem cell magnet.' Essential to the repair of these wounds is the attraction, proliferation and migration of these pivotal regenerative cells to the wound site. The 'stem cell magnet' action of our allografts revitalizes the tissue regeneration," stated Parker H. "Pete" Petit, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
Bill Taylor, President and Chief Operating Officer, said, "The normal wound healing process has three major phases: Inflammation, Proliferation and Remodeling. In the inflammation phase, the T-cells (white blood cells) come into the site and clean up the cellular debris, essentially preparing the site for healing. The second phase is cell proliferation, where resident dermal fibroblasts proliferate and start creating a collagen matrix. At the same time, endothelial cells and stem cells are recruited to the area to help form the vasculature. The third phase is the remodeling phase where the wound closes and remodeling of the newly formed tissue occurs and completes the process. In chronic wounds, this entire process is compromised. However, when EpiFix® is applied to the chronic wound, the inflammation is modulated, and then our tissue helps multiple cell types, like endothelial and dermal fibroblast cells, proliferate at the wound site, helping create new tissue and extracellular matrix proteins, like collagen. The unique 'stem cell magnet' action of our allografts also recruits stem cells to the site. As a result, all phases of the wound healing process are augmented, and chronic wounds that were previously unable to be healed are closed."
The study confirmed that the MiMedx dHACM allografts positively affect at least four distinct physiological processes that are critical in wound healing. The scientific study confirmed that EpiFix®:
- Modulates the inflammatory process;
- Inhibits metalloproteinase activity and matrix degradation;
- Induces regenerative cell proliferation; and
- Recruits stem cells.
"In the near term, we expect to be submitting papers for publication in peer-reviewed international journals that chronicle the positive results of various other studies related to the properties and mechanism of action of our dHACM. The results of these studies should further establish the remarkable properties and actions, including the 'stem cell magnet' action of our allografts. As these articles are published, we look forward to communicating these compelling results," concluded Petit.
About the Company
MiMedx® is an integrated developer, manufacturer and marketer of patent protected regenerative biomaterial products and bioimplants processed from human amniotic membrane. "Innovations in Regenerative Biomaterials" is the framework behind our mission to give physicians products and tissues to help the body heal itself. Our biomaterial platform technologies include the device technologies HydroFix® and CollaFix', and our tissue technologies, AmnioFix® and EpiFix®. Our tissue technologies are processed from human amniotic membrane that is derived from the donated placentas. Through our donor program, mothers delivering full-term Caesarean section births can elect in advance of delivery to donate the placenta in lieu of having it discarded as medical waste. We process the human amniotic membrane utilizing our proprietary PURION® process, to produce a safe, effective and minimally manipulated implant for homologous use. MiMedx® is the leading supplier of amniotic tissue, having supplied over 160,000 allografts to date to distributors and OEMs for application in the Wound Care, Surgical, Sports Medicine, Ophthalmic and Dental sectors of healthcare.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release includes statements that look forward in time or that express management's beliefs, expectations or hopes. Such statements are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to the results to be reported in additional clinical publications. These statements are based on current information and belief, and are not guarantees of future performance. Among the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements include that the results of the additional publications will not chronicle, as anticipated, effectiveness of the Company's PURION® processed allografts, that the additional publications may not be released in the time period anticipated, and the risk factors detailed from time to time in the Company's periodic Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including, without limitation, its 10-K filing for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012. By making these forward-looking statements, the Company does not undertake to update them in any manner except as may be required by the Company's disclosure obligations in filings it makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the federal securities laws.
SOURCE MiMedx Group, Inc.
