EMA approves MediWound burns treatment

Market sources believe that Teva will begin marketing the treatment in 2013.

23 September 12 11:28, Fadi Mualem

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended approval of third degree burn treatment NexoBrid, developed by MediWound Ltd. This is a major achievement for the company, as this is the first time the EU has approaved a treatment that consists of an enzyme-based debriding agent for the removal of necrotic tissue from severe burn wounds, instead of surgical intervention.

NexoBrid is a gel made of a mixture of enzymes which are extracted from the stem of the pineapple plant. It should be applied topically to a clean burn wound to remove the eschar (the dried-out, thick, leathery, black necrotic tissue that covers severe burn wounds) four hours after the burn. The quick removal of the eschar greatly shortens the recovery time from severe burns.

NexoBrid also reduces the risk of infection of the burn as it includes disinfectants. Four hours after the gel is smeared on the burn, it can be wiped off, exposing the burned area, and thus enabling doctors to determine subsequent treatment.

Clal Biotechnology Industries Ltd. (TASE: CBI) owns 52% of MediWound. Market sources believe that NexoBrid sales will begin in 2013 by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE: TEVA; TASE: TEVA), which has an option to acquire control of MediWound and a marketing agreement with it.

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on September 23, 2012

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