Data Demonstrates Maxorb(R) Extra Ag Capable of Sustaining Antimicrobial Activity for Up to 21 Days

Medline Industries, Inc. , the nation's largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of medical supplies, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted 510(k) clearance supporting the claim that Maxorb® Extra Ag is capable of sustained antimicrobial activity for up to 21 days.(1) Maxorb Extra Ag is a non-woven, soft-gelling, highly absorbent carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) calcium alginate dressing containing antimicrobial ionic silver.

"Maxorb's 21 days of sustained antimicrobial efficacy is five times longer than the initial duration established in 2004 and is longer than many other ionic silver dressings' claim," said Debashish Chakravarthy, PhD, FAPWCA, Vice President of Technology for Medline Advanced Skin and Wound Care . "The data also highlights Maxorb's ability to act as an antimicrobial barrier to microbes in the dressing, an ability that was less evident in a 100% CMC-silver product that was compared to Maxorb Ag."

A key benefit of Maxorb's extended and sustained antimicrobial efficacy is that it increases the potential wear time of the dressing. In a multinational survey, practitioners consistently rated dressing removal as the time of greatest pain for patients. Forty percent said that the worst part of living with an ulcer was pain at dressing change.(2) Maxorb's increased wear time means the wound can remain undisturbed for a longer period, thus extending the time between potentially painful cyclic events.

About Maxorb® Extra Ag

Made of a combination of non-woven alginate and CMC fiber, Maxorb Extra Ag is seeded with an ionic silver compound called silver sodium hydrogen zirconium phosphate. Exposure to the sodium in wound exudate stimulates the continuous release of silver ions, providing antimicrobial protection over a broad spectrum of bacteria and fungi, including MRSA and VRE. As wound fluid is absorbed by the alginate, it forms a gel, which assists in maintaining a moist environment for optimal wound healing. The added presence of CMC improves the absorbency, gelling and fluid handling ability as well as adding improved wet strength.

It is indicated for use in postoperative (surgical) wounds, first-and-second degree burns, trauma wounds, leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, graft and donor sites, diabetic ulcers and partial-and-full thickness wounds. While using Maxorb Extra Ag, systemic antimicrobial therapy should be considered when wound infection is evident. Maxorb Extra Ag wound dressings may be used, under medical supervision, in conjunction with systemic antibiotics.

Medline has also added a new 8"x12" (20 x 30.5cm) size dressing to accommodate large surface area wounds.

About Medline Industries, Inc.

Medline, the nation's largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of healthcare products, manufactures and distributes more than 100,000 products to hospitals, extended care facilities, surgery centers, home care dealers and agencies and other markets. Headquartered in Mundelein, IL, Medline has more than 800 dedicated sales representatives nationwide to support its broad product line and cost management services.

Over the past five years, Medline has been the fastest growing distributor of medical and surgical supplies in the U.S., serving as the primary distributor to over 250 major hospitals and health care systems. As a leading distributor, Medline offers a comprehensive array of consulting and management services encompassing the supply chain and logistics, utilization and standardization, business tools and enhanced reporting capabilities, and on-staff clinicians.

(1) Data on file
(2) Moffatt CJ, Franks PJ, Hollinworth H, et al. Understanding wound pain
and trauma: an international perspective. In: Pain at Wound Dressing
Changes. London, UK: Medical Education Partnerships LTD, 2002:2-7.

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