Apligraf® Dermal Substitute
Apligraf® dermal (skin) substitute, which is created from cells found in healthy human skin, is used to treat difficult-to-heal wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers and those caused by circulatory problems, that have not responded to traditional therapy after 3 to 4 weeks. Unlike wound treatments that use creams and traditional dressings, Apligraf dermal substitute stimulates the skin to repair and heal itself, which it does by delivering living cells, cell-produced proteins and collagen, all of which are necessary for healing to take place, to the wound. According to its manufacturer, Organogenesis, Apligraf dermal substitute is "the only product with FDA approval for healing both venous leg ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers."
Apligraf dermal substitute, which is supplied in the form of a disc that has a diameter of 75 mm and a thickness of 0.75 mm, looks just like skin. It is placed on top of the wound, covered with a nonadhesive dressing, and then wrapped with another dressing, which is then changed weekly by a medical professional. Placement of Apligraf dermal substitute is performed in a doctor's office or wound care center. Wound improvement is usually seen within weeks.