Mesynthes makes a wound care product that is ideal for chronic conditions such as ulcers, a nasty diabetes side-effect. There are 20 million diabetes patients in the US.

Implantable regenerative tissue substitutes

Diabetic ulcer

Mesynthes is also developing implantable regenerative tissue substitutes suitable for a wide range of soft-tissue reinforcement and repair applications, such as hernia repair and breast reconstruction.

“We are taking a product that comes out of the meat industry – tissue derived from the sheep forestomach – taking a particular layer of that tissue and treating it so that it encourages tissue regeneration and the human body does not react to it. We use that to fabricate a range of products,” says founder and chief executive Brian Ward.

Marketing in the US

Mesynthes’ US sales go through Hollister, a US multi-wound care company with which it has a nationwide distribution and marketing deal.

Ward says he has worked hard at building support from top academics and surgeons in the field, and the New Zealand product has some unique qualities in terms of usability and strength.

“Initially we did some clinical work with US doctors. Then, on the back of our relationship with Hollister, we have worked with key opinion leaders – leading physicians and academics,” he says.

“What we have done is focus on proving the technology, ensuring we have the data to prove the claims.”

Ward, a former veterinarian and head of NZBio, started Mesynthes in February 2008. It now has 20 staff, mainly developmental scientists, and will be expanding the sales and marketing side of the business.

Get news story: NZ-made skin substitutes for wounds to launch in US
Get RNZ audio: Wound healing products