---Commonly Asked Questions and Answers---
1. How does hyCURE® differ from other collagen
products?
 | hyCURE® is a collagen hydrolysate polypeptide manufactured to exact specifications. As supplied, nineteen amino acids (building blocks) including hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine, are directly applied to the wound site. Other collagen materials require valuable time for the particles to break down into their amino acid structure. |
2. We know that some manufacturers/distributors of collagen products are implying that their products are the "real thing" (collagen). Please respond.
| The Food & Drug Administration has cleared for marketing purposes hyCURE®, a medical hydrolysate of collagen. hyCURE® has been vigorously tested by scientists and clinicians. It is a patented product. There is no generic substitute for hyCURE®. |
3. Does hyCURE® have to be removed with each dressing change from the wound site?
| No. Unlike other topicals, hyCURE® is soluble and degradation in the wound site is easily accomplished. As hyCURE® is left on the wound site, it will continue to have the ability to absorb wound exudate, be interactive with the wound site, and provide needed mechanical protection against physical and bacterial insult. |
4. Is collagen approved for Stage IV decubitus ulcers?
| Unlike other collagen wound management products,hyCURE® has received the Food & Drug Administration approval for Stage I-IV decubitus ulcers. |
5. Can hyCURE® be used if the patient has an infected wound?
| Yes. It is recommended that bacterial, fungal, and viral infections be treated independently. |
6. Can hyCURE® be used in the tunneled or undermined area of a wound?
| Yes. In fact, because hyCURE® is a free-flowing powder, it is able to conform to a wound of any size or shape. This makes hyCURE® particularly suitable for the management of tunneled wounds, flaps and other non-conformative sites. hyCURE® can be placed into a bulb syringe and blown into any tunneled or undermined wound cavity. |
7. How does hyCURE® reduce pain?
| hyCURE® is an interactive product. When in contact with wound exudate, hyCURE® becomes a gelatinous material absorbing up to 30 times its own weight. This transformation into a gel, provides excellent protection against physical insult and occludes nerve endings that cause pain. |
8. What type of collagen is hyCURE®? What is its origin?
| There are over 14 types of collagen that have thus far been characterized. As the chief structural protein of the body, these types of collagen are distinguished on the basis of their chemical differences. The most important types of collagen are I through V, with Type I collagen being the most abundant type in the human body, at more than 90%. hyCURE® exceeds 96% Type I collagen, derived from bovine sources. |
9. How cost efficient is hyCURE® compared to other collagen products?
| Wound management costs are greatly reduced with the use of hyCURE®. The product is very affordable and offers optimal handling and storage qualities. Cases utilizing hyCURE® provide desired patient outcomes on a timely basis. |
10. Does hyCURE® aid the autolytic process in wound repair?
| Yes. hyCURE® is a very hydrophilic product that attracts bacteria, exudate and debris through osmotic forces in the wound area. This action translates into an excellent wound debriding product. |
11. Do research reports indicate other uses for collagen hydrolysate polypeptides similar to hyCURE®?
| Yes. Reports indicate that collagen hydrolysate polypeptides have been used as a tissue adhesive for suture replacement and to prevent postoperative adhesions. |
12. Is hyCURE® easy to apply?
| Yes. A collagen powder, hyCURE® conforms to any wound site. hyCURE® does not exhibit characteristic powder "fly-away". |
13. Can hyCURE® be used on burns?
| hyCURE® may be used on first and second degree burns. hyCURE®GEL is optimal for this application. |
14. Are there any special storage requirements?
| No. It is recommended that hyCURE® be stored at room temperature. |
15. Will hyCURE® aid in the maturation phase of wound healing?
| Yes. Collagen accelerates tissue remodeling and reduces scarring1. |
16. Does hyCURE® produce consistent results?
| Yes. hyCURE® has been manufactured within controlled specifications, thereby producing high-quality, consistent results. |
17. What are the features that favor collagen as the optimal choice for use in the management of wounds?
| 1. Natural to the body |
| 2. Amino Acid Structure |
| 3. Biocompatible and Biodegradable |
| 4. Very safe, nontoxic, non-sensitizing |
| 5. Collagen protects against physical and bacterial insult (through the formation of a gelatinous barrier)2. |
| 6. Collagen offers excellent hemostatic capabilities, chemotactic properties and excellent adhesion qualities3. |
References:
1. DeVries HJ, Zeegelaar, JE. AReduced wound contraction and scar formation in punch biopsy wounds. Native collagen dermal substitutes. A clinical study,@ British Jour of Derm 132(5):690-697, 1995.
2. Chvapil , M. Van Winkle Jr., W. AMedical and surgical applications of collagen,@ International Review of Connective Tissue Research 6:36, 1973.
3. Ibid., 10,53,54.