Because no known viral transfer risk exists between North-Atlantic Cod and humans, the Kerecis patented fish skin is only gently processed and retains its similarity to human skin. Compared to mammalian-based skin substitutes. Most skin substitutes products are based on tissues of human and porcine origin. These are not ideal substitutes because heavy processing is needed to eliminate the risk of disease transmission. This harsh, anti-viral treatment removes most of the material’s natural components, making it dissimilar to human skin.
Fish skin has been shown to be similar in structure to human skin than other skin substitutes. Because there is no known risk of viral disease transmission, fish skin is only minimally processed, preserving its structure and components. In a double-blind, comparative, randomized controlled clinical trial (N=162), fish skin favorably compared with mammalian skin substitutes.
Some skin substitutes products are based on tissues of human and porcine origin. Mammalian tissue carries the risk of disease transmission to humans that is nonexistent from the Atlantic cod to humans. Regulatory bodies have strict requirements on tissues from farm animals including viral inactivation methods involving treatment with detergents that remove lipids from the tissues and denature the native structure leaving behind only the most insoluble collagens. Products from human tissues like skin and dehydrated human amnion/chorion membrane call for extensive use of antibiotics to reduce bioburden. The intact fish skin graft is not subject to this harsh treatment, leaving a more naturally intact product with its associated benefits.
The fish are caught in the pristine waters of North Atlantic Ocean off the township of Isafjordur, on the northwest coast of Iceland. Each and every batch of raw materials is tracked to ensure product quality. The fish skin is processed using a proprietary method that preserves its structure and lipid composition.
Intact fish skin has been cleared by the FDA and European regulatory authorities for wound management. The product is undergoing registration at multiple regulatory authorities around the world.
Kerecis is pioneering the use of intact fish skin in the globally expanding cellular-therapy and regenerative-medicine markets. The unique products from the company’s patented technologies help protect the body’s own tissues and provide the ideal environment to help facilitate tissue regeneration.
Kerecis has been awarded multiple patents protecting the core technology in the U.S. and other countries, and several more applications are pending. Kerecis is committed to building a substantial patent portfolio protecting the company´s intellectual property.
