Products

ZYVOX (linezolid injection, tablets, and for oral suspension), manufactured by Pfizer, New York, NY, has been approved for the treatment of diabetic foot infections, without osteomyelitis, caused by Gram-positive bacteria, including resistant strains such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). ZYVOX is the only oral antibiotic approved for the treatment of MRSA infections.

A clinical trial conducted at 30 US and 15 European sites demonstrated that ZYVOX was as effective as 2 standard aminopenicillin therapies in treating diabetic foot infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria.

Companies

Smith & Nephew Wound Management Division, Largo, FL, recently introduced SkinEquity, a preventive skin care philosophy whose foundation is knowledge, protection, and results. SkinEquity combines comprehensive medical education programs with skin care products to deliver improved outcomes. The goal of the SkinEquity prevention philosophy is to educate caregivers about the benefits of prevention so that the incidence of pressure ulcers and other skin breakdown may be reduced, leading to improved patient care, motivated caregivers, and a potential reduction in total health care costs.

PDI, Inc, Upper Saddle River, NJ, has signed an agreement with Organogenesis, Canton, MA, for sales, marketing, and clinical support of Apligraf, a bilayered skin substitute. Apligraf, the first FDA-approved product containing living human cells, has 2 indications:

* for use, with standard compression therapy, in treating venous ulcers that have not adequately responded to conventional ulcer therapy

* for use, with conventional diabetic foot ulcer care, in treating full-thickness neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers.