Evonik cooperates with Coopmed for distribution of wound dressing epicite®
- Exclusive distribution of epicite® in German market
- Proprietary manufacturing process from JeNaCell based on biosynthetic cellulose
- Hydrogel-alternative for outpatients with chronic wounds
Evonik has signed an agreement with the medical technology consulting and sales company Coopmed for the distribution of the wound dressing epicite®. Starting immediately, Coopmed will distribute epicite®, which is made from biosynthetic cellulose, exclusively to the German market for chronic wound management. The wound dressing epicite® is part of the portfolio of JeNaCell, a company based in Jena, Germany, which Evonik acquired in 2021 following prior investment.
“We are excited to work with a highly experienced partner like Coopmed for the market development and distribution of epicite® to advance the treatment of chronic wounds,” says Dana Kralisch, General Manager of JeNaCell. “Together, we will work to make epicite® available to outpatients throughout Germany. We would like to thank all wound experts and professional users who supported us with case studies, practical advice and their personal experiences using the product.”
JeNaCell produces biosynthetic cellulose, a nature-identical material that is particularly suitable for wound cleansing and supporting the healing process of acute and chronic wounds due to its moist microclimate.1 Chronic wounds are wounds that do not heal even after several weeks. Typical reasons for their development are circulatory disorders, diabetes mellitus or a suppression of the immune system. In Germany, around 2.7 million people suffer from chronic wounds.2
“With epicite® we can offer many outpatients a perfect alternative to hydrogels, which will no longer be covered by many health insurances in Germany from 2024,” says Hubertus Ruthmann, senior partner and co-founder of Coopmed. “Based on many years of clinical experience with epicite® in burns, we are convinced that we can offer patients with chronic wounds an excellent product.”
JeNaCell originally emerged as a spin-off from Friedrich Schiller University in Jena, Germany. In 2017, the company launched epicite® wound dressing as its first product. Other technologies developed by JeNaCell include soft tissue implants, transdermal release systems and dermatological applications.
Evonik recognized JeNaCell's potential in 2015 and invested in the start-up through its own venture capital arm. Following the complete takeover, JeNaCell's portfolio was integrated into the Health Care business line of Evonik, expanding its portfolio of innovative biomaterials, related services and device manufacturing.
As part of the life science division Nutrition & Care, the Health Care business line also offers VECOLLAN®, a novel, non-animal collagen, and RESOMER®, the world's broadest portfolio of biofunctional polymers for medical technology applications in GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) quality.
1 Zahel P et al., Bacterial Cellulose—Adaptation of a Nature-Identical Material to the Needs of Advanced Chronic Wound Care, Pharmaceuticals 2022, 15, 683
2 Riedl S, Storck M: Versorgung von Patienten mit chronischen Wunden und Wundheilungsstörungen – eine Aufgabe für die Chirurgie. Passion Chirurgie. 2021 Januar/Februar; 11(01/02): Artikel 03_02
Company information
Evonik is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals. The company is active in more than 100 countries around the world and generated sales of €15 billion and an operating profit (adjusted EBITDA) of €2.38 billion in 2021. Evonik goes far beyond chemistry to create innovative, profitable and sustainable solutions for customers. About 33,000 employees work together for a common purpose: We want to improve life today and tomorrow.
About Nutrition & Care
The focus of the business of the Nutrition & Care division is on health and quality of life. It develops differentiated solutions for active pharmaceutical ingredients, medical devices, nutrition for humans and animals, personal care, cosmetics, and household cleaning. In these resilient end markets, the division generated sales of €3.56 billion in 2021 with about 5,300 employees.
Disclaimer
In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this press release or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.
