New Biomimetic Matrix Results in Rapid Healing Response of Complex Pressure Ulcers with Exposed Structures

Introduction: With an underreported prevalence of 2.5 million in the United States, pressure ulcers are associated with pain, infection, and high mortality rates1. The estimated costs of hospital-acquired pressure ulcers are $26.8 billion per year, with over 50% attributed to managing Stage 3 and Stage 4 injuries1. The ideal treatment provides an environ- ment conducive to healing while preventing infection, reducing pain, and preserving peri-wound skin quality. This small case series evaluates the efficacy of a novel self-assembling peptide biomimetic matrix (BMM) in pressure ulcers with exposed structures. As a wound-conforming extracellular matrix-like scaffold with antibacterial protection, BMM was engineered to facilitate healing of complex wounds. Methods: Four patients with multiple comorbidities presenting with chronic ( > 2 months) Stage 4 pressure ulcers were selected to receive a novel FDA-approved flowable BMM*, in addition to standard of care. Three out of the four ulcers (75%) presented tunnels and/or undermined areas. Wound measurements, pain, and peri-wound skin appearance were assessed at baseline and monitored during following visits Results: All patients responded positively to BMM treatment, showing rapid wound depth reduction and wound healing progression. In two cases, rapid wound closure was observed, with > 70% area reduction achieved after a single BMM application and healthy granulation tissue formation. In two other cases, while there was no marked reduction in wound surface area within the first one to two applications, a substantial wound depth reduc- tion with granulation tissue formation was observed. Easy access of BMM to hard-to-reach areas was also noted and resulted in rapid progress towards resolution of tunneling / undermining. In all four cases, the post-BMM treat- ment visits recorded no pain, no signs of infection, and intact peri-wound skin with healthy skin appearance. No adverse events were observed. Discussion: This small case series demonstrates the potential of BMM for treating chronic, complex pressure ulcers with exposed structures and tunneling or undermining by intimately contacting all wound areas, creat- ing an environment that promotes tissue regrowth and revascularization, and preventing re-infection. Larger clinical trials with longer follow-up period are required to expand on these findings.