Why Choose HemaGel®?

The exceptional medical device HemaGel® owes its unique structure and efficacy to the scientists from the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic.

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HemaGel® is unique

The uniqueness of this medical agent is given by the patented structure of the hydrophilic gel with its inbuilt scavenger of free radicals.

Completely safe

HemaGel® is completely safe for all patients, including mothers and children.

Wound healing method

HemaGel® and the moist wound healing method lead to a completely new approach to the treatment of both chronic and acute wounds.

Wound treatment with the aid of free radical binding technology.

HemaGel® is a hydrophilic gel developed to surface wound treatment and is the only such product based on the scientific patent of the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic.

The uniqueness of this medical device is given by the patented structure of the hydrophilic gel with its inbuilt scavenger of free radicals- a structure not found in any other hydrogel wound dressings. Free oxygen radicals are present to a great extent in all types of trauma and they hamper the whole healing process. The joint effects of HemaGel and the moist wound healing method lead to a completely new approach to the treatment of wounds.

  • Fundamental acceleration of the healing process
  • Decreases pain
  • Prevents wound desiccation
  • Prevents the development of scars

Once HemaGel® is applied, an elastic layer forms immediately on the surface of the wound. This absorbs free oxygen radicals and eventually any secretions or fluids from the wound. At the same time, this layer prevents the formation of a scab and supplies a sufficient amount of moistness for so-called “moist” wound treatment. The molecular structure of HemaGel enables it to remain continuously active and at the same time prevents the penetration of any of its components into the organism. Thus, HemaGel is completely safe for all patients, including mothers and children.

HemaGel® has also won approval abroad. As one of the first products of non-American origin, it may use the seal of acceptance of the American Paediatric Medical Association (APMA), which in the USA associates over 16 000 physicians specialising in the correct treatment and care for feet.

Moist wound treatment

The moist wound treatment method currently represents the most preferred approach in the treatment wounds. The principle of this treatment lies in the maintenance of a moist environment within the wound. This promotes cell division and movement within the wound, maintains the correct pH at the affected site and fundamentally influences all phases of healing.

In the cleansing phase, it promotes the cleansing processes, facilitates surgical treatment with no damage to cells and prevents the inactivation of immune cells. In the granulation or proliferative phase, it promotes cell growth and division and the formation of granulation tissue. In the epithelisation phase, it promotes epithelial cell division and proliferation

The moist wound treatment method was already known to old Sumerians and Egyptians. Both the Greeks and Romans used honey as the principal component of their healing balms, which apart from other effects, maintained a moist environment within the wound. Many years later, this method was replaced by the use of dry, sterile mull that had excellent absorptive properties but led to the severe desiccation of wounds. In the 1960s, it was finally demonstrated that wounds treated in a moist environment have up to a 40% shorter period of healing compared to dry dressings. Nonetheless, it took another 30 years for the method of moist healing to be introduced into wider medical practice

Advantages of the moist wound healing method:
  • More effective and thus time-saving treatment
  • Less frequent changes of dressings
  • Shorter healing and hospitalisation
  • Less painful
  • Limited risk of recurrence
  • Less complications
  • Decreased final costs

The success of this treatment is thus directly dependent on the sufficient moistening of the wound. If the wound dries, cells die and new necrosis (dead tissue) forms, which may lead to a deepening of the wound. Therefore, modern materials used to treat wounds are adapted so that they duly maintain a moist environment. An example of such material is HemaGel – a patented hydrophilic gel that forms a stable environment over the wound, retains moistness, positively affects pH and protects the affected site from contamination.

Product range for improving the healing of a moist wound

Medical devices class IIa.

Unique hydrophilic copolymer gel wound dressing and suppositories. Medical devices class IIa.

Unique solution

HemaGel products offer a unique solution for the healing of surface skin injuries.

Developed by the IOMCH

HemaGel® was primarily developed by the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of Academy of Sciences of Czech Republic.

Patented structure

Patented structure with integrated scavengers of free oxygen radicals. So only HemaGel® products can have this structure and mechanism of action.

Hydrophilic methacrylate substance

It is a hydrophilic methacrylate substance based on the cross-linked copolymer 2-hydroxyehtylmethalcrylate containing polymer bound and sterically shielded amino groups.

Highly efficient

This approved medical aid employs the modern and highly efficient principle of moist wound healing in combination with the original patented mechanism of scavenging of free oxygen radicals.

How HemaGel® works

Wound treatment is disrupted by free oxygen radicals that automatically form at the site of injury. They potentiate inflammation in the wound and hamper the whole healing process.

HemaGel® the only hydrophilic gel with an inbuilt scavenger of these radicals. This fundamentally accelerates the treatment of wounds.

Once HemaGel® is applied, an elastic layer forms on the surface of the wound. This absorbs free oxygen radicals and eventually any secretions or fluids from the wound. At the same time, this layer prevents the formation of a scab and supplies a sufficient amount of humidity for so-called “moist” wound treatment.

The exceptional medical device HemaGel® owes its unique structure and efficacy to the scientists from the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic.

Package Information Leaflet

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The problem of surface skin injuries

Surface skin injuries are those that heal primarily within 6 weeks; thus, in a relatively short period of time, with no significant complications. They include all wounds ranging from small abrasions to the destruction of parts of the body. They are most frequently caused by trauma, eventually surgical procedures.

Blisters

The development of blisters is not an unusual occurrence- all you have to do is buy a new pair of shoes. The pressure exerted by unused shoes leads to swelling of the feet and then all it takes is a small movement during which the skin is torn from the dermis. At that moment, the space between the upper layer of the skin and dermis is filled by tissue fluid, whose function is to protect the tissue below it. Nonetheless, if the blister is damaged and the fluid seeps out, the wound is no longer protected and there is a risk of infection and damage to the new skin. At this moment, a number of people wrongly think that they can achieve better healing results if they expose the wound to fresh air and allow a scab to form. Clinical tests, though, have demonstrated that a much more effective treatment is so-called “moist” wound healing. With the help of HemaGel, which does not desiccate the wound, and thanks to the patented substance that decreases painfulness and accelerates healing, treatment of blisters is currently simpler and faster.

Surface skin injuries

Various excoriations, abrasions, and cuts rank among the most frequent minor injuries. This group also includes blisters, cold sores, 1st degree burns, cracked mouth corners etc. These all involve the disruption of skin or mucosa continuity leading to a change of anatomical structure and function. As these injuries occur most frequently on the hands, feet and face, minimisation of scar development is also important.

HemaGel is just the ideal means for the treatment of such wounds, as it forms an elastic layer on their surface, separating the wound from the external environment. Thanks to its composition, HemaGel does not penetrate into the body but acts only on the surface of the wound. It may thus be used even by pregnant and breastfeeding women and children. HemaGel is favoured not only by children because compared to commonly used medical devices it does not adhere the dressing to the wound and thus changing the dressing is painless.

Cold sores are certainly not an agreeable thing. Moreover, at the time the blisters start bursting, there is a risk of virus transmission, which is why rapid treatment is the best solution. HemaGel represents a unique means of removing cold sores. Although it is not an anti-virotic and it cannot cure the cause of this infection, HemaGel significantly decreases pain, accelerates the treatment of these small wounds and prevents the formation of scabs and scars. Cold sores and all their associated disagreeable symptoms thus disappear within a very short time.

Is it possible to use HemaGel on a cold sore in pregnant women?
Yes, HemaGel may be applied to cold sores even in pregnancy with no problem, as it has positive effects, acts only on the surface of the wound, does not penetrate into the organism and thus has no side effects on the mother or foetus.

Can HemaGel be used on aphthae of the mouth?
Yes, it can also be used on aphthae of the mouth.

Does HemaGel help in the treatment of acne induced scars?
Older scars induced by acne cannot be healed with HemaGel, as this must be applied on fresh wounds.

Is it necessary to use a dressing when applying HemaGel on acne?
It is not necessary to apply a dressing on acne. Dressings are only used on those parts of the body where the gel could be inadvertently wiped off.

May I apply HemaGel over make-up when treating acne?
HemaGel heals only cleansed tissue and thus it is not appropriate to use it below make-up.

Is HemaGel also effective on milder forms of acne, e.g. small boils or scratched pimples?
Yes, HemaGel also helps in milder forms of acne.

Is it possible to apply HemaGel directly on the oral cavity mucosa?
Yes, HemaGel may be applied on the oral cavity mucosa.

Injuries, surgical wounds and scars

Injuries are the unpleasant consequences of our sports, gardening or hobby activities, our carelessness and sometimes of simply bad luck. Whether the wound is treated at home or whether it requires surgery, follow-up care is very important. HemaGel is ideal for this purpose, helping in all types of wounds, accelerating the healing process and ameliorating the aesthetic consequences of the wound.

Surgical wounds and other surgical interventions on the organism are associated with inflammation that often manifests as oedema of the wound and pain. Post-surgical care is thus just as important as the operation itself. HemaGel successfully applies the so-called “moist” healing process in the treatment of various types of wounds or skin damage, including surgical wounds, and it thus accelerates overall post-surgical regeneration. Another positive aspect is the significant reduction in the size of scars or eventually their complete smoothing out.

I split my head, lip and chin during a fall. Can I use HemaGel even on sutured wounds with the sutures still in place?
Yes, you can use HemaGel even on such wounds. We recommend that you begin applying HemaGel immediately.

Does HemaGel have any effect on keloid scars?
Yes, HemaGel smoothes out these scars. We recommend that the product be used for at least 14 days.

Is it possible to use HemaGel on closed scars, older than 15 days?
We recommend that you try this option. HemaGel acts best on fresh scars and the effect on healed scars need not be as successful. Nonetheless, we recommend that you try HemaGel, as even in such cases the scar could be partially smoothed out and the skin could return to its natural pigmentation ...

Can HemaGel be used on a fresh surgical wound on which a scab has formed? Is it necessary to eventually remove this scab?
You may apply HemaGel on fresh surgical wounds with no worry. Nonetheless, we do not recommend the removal of scabs. In such cases, do not be sparing in your application of HemaGel on the wound. Seeing that moist healing is involved, the scabs should partially peel off after twelve hours.

Can I use HemaGel on a fresh surgical wound?
HemaGel may be used on any type of surgical wound/scar.

My surgical wound is healing very poorly after the operation. Pus has been forming around the wound for three days and this has to be cleansed with hydrogen peroxide, Could HemaGel help?
Yes, HemaGel should help if you apply it three times a day to the wound.

Can HemaGel also be used to heal the hole left by a tracheostomy?
Yes, HemaGel should be effective even in such cases.

Can HemaGel be used on an infected wound, which is at the same time being treated with antibiotics?
It is certainly possible to use HemaGel in such cases. It is nonetheless necessary to continue with the antibiotic treatment as HemaGel accelerates healing and cicatrisation, but it does not have antibacterial effects.

My perineum and a perianal fissure were stitched after delivery. I have another scar between the anus and vagina. Can I use HemaGel for wound healing even in this area?
You can start treatment immediately. HemaGel is also suitable for the treatment of the injuries that you have described. There is no problem with using the gel on the genitals.

Is it possible to apply HemaGel on scars in the area of the eyelid and to thus decrease their conspicuousness?
There should be no problem with its application on the eyelid. It is sufficient to apply a thin layer of the gel.

Can I apply HemaGel on a surgical scar in a small child?
Yes, naturally. HemaGel has a positive healing effect, it does not penetrate into the organism and acts only on the surface of the wound. Therefore, it has no side effects.

Is it necessary to wipe off the old layer of the gel before every new application of HemaGel?
We recommend that this layer be washed off if HemaGel has been in place for more than ten hours and then to apply a new layer of HemaGel.

Is it possible to remove scars completely with the aid of HemaGel?
In such cases, the effect of HemaGel should not be overestimated. The scar will certainly be less conspicuous but we cannot promise you any miracles unfortunately.

Burns

Burns are very serious injuries. Especially extensive burns are characterised by very painful, long-term and demanding treatment; a very high mortality and frequent permanent consequences. Burns may be caused by fire, electricity, chemicals, boiling liquids or UV radiation.

Hemagel is a suitable medical device for the rapid treatment of wounds induced by burns – 1st degree burns. It accelerates the healing process, prevents wound desiccation and precludes the formation of scars. In lower degree burns, its application may lead to the complete smoothing out of the scar.

Can HemaGel help even in the treatment of older minor scars following burns?
HemaGel heals best fresh and old wounds. Unfortunately, it does not help in the case of old and healed scars.

    How is HemaGel applied?
  • First clean the wound from mechanical impurities, such as dust particles and remnants of previously used curative materials, which might subsequently irritate and damage the wound.
  • Spread a thin layer of the gel (about 1 mm) over the entire area of the wound base, slightly exceeding to healthy skin. The gel will adhere to the wound base and will gradually absorb secretions and other fluids pouring out of the wound.
  • Cover the wound with a non-absorptive material (such as greasy tulle available in pharmacies) and subsequently fix the wound with bandage or gauze square and a sticking plaster. After the gel being applied, cover small injuries with a cushioned adhesive plaster.
  • The effect of the gel manifests itself with bulging. The unique gel technology prevents adherence to the wound, thus enabling easy and painless removal by mild wiping or rinsing.
  • Change the bandage as necessary, every 12 – 48 hours, always depending on the condition of the wound and soaking through secondary wound covering or as instructed by the treating doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

HemaGel may be used for the treatment of superficial skin injuries such as abrasions, burns, cuts and minor injuries. The correct application of HemaGel or frequency of dressing changes may differ. For detailed information divided according to the type of wound see below:

Clinical studies

HemaGel® is a tried and tested assistant in the treatment of surface skin injuries, radically accelerating their healing.

The results of clinical tests and studies have confirmed that HemaGel® is a highly effective hydrophilic gel patch suitable for a wide range of skin wounds – scratches, cuts, abrasions, fresh scars, burns.

Clinical studies have demonstrated that HemaGel®:
  • Heals wounds effectively, accelerates healing significantly.
  • Thanks to its unique technology, the gel does not stick to the wound and can be wiped off painlessly.
  • It produces an optimal pH within the wound, thus helping the healing process.
  • It provides the wound with moisture and prevents its desiccation.
  • It closes wounds, prevents the formation of scabs, decreases the size and improves the appearance of scars.
  • It significantly decreases wound-associated pain.
  • It protects the wound form the external environment and further infection.
  • The use of large macromolecules interconnected within a network prevents gel particles from being released into the wound and thus causing irritation.
  • It doesn´t penetrate into organism. Suitable for children as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women after the consultation with doctor.

The road to patent acquisition

Work and research that led to the development of the medical device offered today under the commercial name HemaGel began in the first half of the 1990s.The research begun then would not have been possible though without the previous results of the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic. Even HemaGel in a way owes its existence to the discovery and development of hydrophilic polymers based on poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate). The discovery made by Prof. Wichterle and his team, which in the 1960s enabled the launch of soft contact lenses, thus forms the basis of HemaGel.

The research team witnessed an important breakthrough in the mid 1990s, when it was possible to implement the idea of Ing. Jiří Labský, CSc. on the fitting of sterically shielded amines, so-called “free radical scavengers”, into certain polymers well-tolerated by the human organism. Free radicals that form in massive amounts every time tissue is damaged react with these amines (or rather with their oxidative derivates). The resulting reaction neutralises these free radicals and thus prevents their otherwise aggressive actions on the organism.

The polymer matrix used has several advantages. It consists of large macromolecules mutually interconnected to form a network. This prevents the penetration of these molecules through the skin into the body and they thus remain on the surface of the wound. This allows the continued activity of the substance.

In 1997, the project was awarded a Czech patent. Nonetheless, the road towards a freely accessible medical device was not over yet. Transformation of results acquired in the laboratory into an operational form enabling large v olume production was very complicated. The team had to resolve many questions relating to the optimisation of its composition. The issues and obstacles involved demanded that equilibrium between product efficacy and price be found in order for industrial production to begin.

The Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic holds the patent and is contractually bound to provide the production rights to the medical device (commercially known as HemaGel) to VH Pharma. TEAM 4 YOU Ltd. holds the exclusive commercial and marketing representation rights.

Launch of the hydrophilic gel HemaGel on the market did not bring the whole research project to a close. Research and development continue. The working team of Ing. Zdeňka Sedlakova, CSc. is now studying the possibilities of further increasing efficacy and it is also testing alternative forms of application.
The patent creators
Ing. Jiří Labský, CSc. (* 1936)
is the author of more than 100 publications in international journals and of 55 patents. In 2002, he was awarded together with Karel Smetana MD, DrSc. the prestigious Czech Brain award. His theory of fitting sterically shielded amines, so-called “free radical scavengers”, into certain polymers well-tolerated by the human organism was fundamental for the development of HemaGel. He also discovered possible means of implementing this theory.

Ing. Jiří Vacík, CSc. (* 1938)
was the Head of the Department of Hydrogels for Medical and Technical Practice of the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic in the 1990s and he headed the team working on the development of HemaGel. Over more than 40 years of scientific activities at the Institute, he published 58 expert articles and he is the author of 47 patent applications.

Pavel Hošek MD (* 1948)
worked as a general practitioner. During the research, he was principally involved in the practical testing of the gel.

HemaGel® PROCTO suppositories

HemaGel® PROCTO suppositories support the healing of acute and chronic wounds of the rectal mucosa in patients with fissures and hemorrhoids, including patients after the Barron Ligature. Furthermore, to reduce bleeding in patients with bleeding hemorrhoids and to remove discomfort, especially burning and itching in the rectum.

HemaGel® PROCTO is a Medical Device class IIa. HemaGel® PROCTO offers a unique solution to accelerate the healing of acute and chronic wounds and anal skin lesions.

HemaGel® PROCTO suppositories are used as a supportive treatment of haemorrhoids and other rectal diseases such as painful skin cracks (anal fissures) and tears in the anal skin and mucosa (anal rhagades). HemaGel® PROCTO reduces pain caused by anal fissures, reduces bleeding during defecation and accelerates healing.

HOW TO PROCEED WHEN APPLYING THE SUPPOSITORY:

  • Suppositories should be administered rectally, with the rounded end first, if possible after a bowel movement and after cleaning the anal area.
  • Separate one suppository from the blister strip along the perforated edge, then tear the packaging by gently pulling it a part and remove the suppository.
  • lnsert the suppository deep into the rectum, rounded end first; this is best done in a slightly bent-forward position.
  • Unless advised otherwise, HemaGel® PROCTO suppositories are administered once daily, best before going to bed.

Due to its macromolecular structure, HemaGel® PROCTO does not penetrate into the organism. Consult your doctor before using it for children, pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Rectal diseases require special hygiene and regular bowel movement. Therefore drink appropriate amounts of liquids, eat a low-spice diet and increase the fibre intake.

Package Information Leaflet

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