FAQ

This document was developed for veterinarians and other persons that need, or want both general information and guidance on how to use SentrX Animal Care products. If additional information is needed, please contact the company at sentrx@sentrxanimalcare.com or 801-583-2050 during business hours MST.

SentrX Animal Care is one of three companies resulting from the division of Sentrx Surgical in 2006. Carbylan BioSurgery (human therapeutic applications) is in Palo Alto, CA, while SentrX Animal Care and Glycosan BioSystems (in vitro applications) are both in Salt Lake City, UT. All three companies use the same exact technology, but have rights to different areas of application.

SentrX Animal Care, Inc. is a veterinary medical device company that is both science-driven and evidence based. This means that the products offered by SentrX have arisen from science research laboratories, usually at a major university, and that evidence can be presented that the products work as claimed in either clinical trials or specific scientific experiments.

What products are currently available?

As of spring 2008, SentrX is selling two families of products for the horse and companion animal markets, one for various wound healing applications and a second for the prevention of post-surgical adhesions in a variety of surgical protocols. The products are branded for the various markets as equitrX, canitrX and felitrX. In some instances, products for the different markets are presently the same formulation, while in other cases they are different. We recommend that each be used as intended, e.g., equitrX for horses, etc.

What is the composition of SentrX’ products?

Although there are differences in formulation among the various products, in general they all consist of significantly chemically modified glycosaminoglycans and proteins. These are generally very large molecules that are chemically linked to one another to create a scaffold matrix. The specific chemical formulation of each product is proprietary and is covered by US and international patents.

Do the products have a limited shelf life?

The products are ideally stored at room temperature or lower. Under these circumstances, both films and gels are stable for at least 1 year. Further stability testing is being performed and may indicate a longer shelf life.

How do these products accelerate scar-free healing?

When tissue is healthy, its extracellular matrix (ECM) provides support for cells and regulates communication between these cells. When an injury occurs, signals are released from the tissue that stimulate cells to repair the injury. Unfortunately, the process often leads to the formation of scar tissue rather than the appropriate new ECM. SentrX products provide matrices that work with the animal’s natural repair system to encourage enhanced production of the appropriate ECM, leading to new healthy tissue.

How and when should the products be used?

These films and gels are designed to be used on fresh or debrided wounds. Because the products need access to the appropriate cells for healing, they do not work when applied to a mature, scabbed wound. The products should be applied directly to the wound surface, which can then be dressed in the normal way, as per the veterinarian’s practice.

How do I use the equitrX film-on-gauze product properly?

The film product is manufactured on a gauze backing to permit ease in handling. While the gauze simplifies handling, some users have had difficulty determining which side of the sheet is film and which is gauze. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE FILM SIDE IS APPLIED DIRECTLY TO THE WOUND. The gauze side is stamped as such for easy recognition, but in the absence of this label, the film side is smoother and shinier.

What is the difference between equitrX film and equitrX gel?

As far as we can determine, there is no difference in performance. The healing power has been compared in mice and rats and both gave comparable acceleration of wound healing.

The gel was developed specifically to treat large or irregular shaped wounds and for ease in application to wounds that cannot be bandaged. A single foil of equitrX will cover a wound that is approximately 6 inches in diameter.

The small foils of canitrX and felitrX will each contain enough gel to cover a wound of approximately 3 inches in diameter. Each product is sold in units of 15, 0.5ml gel foils and therefore more than a single foil can be used at a time on a wound, if necessary.

How long does the material remain on a wound from the time of treatment?

The answer depends on the formulation. These materials can be engineered to biodegrade at various rates. In the case of equitrX film, it is a few days. The gels remain on the wound for a shorter period of time.

How often should a wound be retreated?

If a wound is dressed, then we recommend that re-treatment should be done at each re-dressing. If the wound cannot be dressed, then treatment should be done daily until the wound is healed.

What are the costs of SentrX wound healing products?

Wound healing films and gels range in list price from about $3.80 per application, depending on the size and nature of the wound. The SentrX products have been extensively tested in numerous animal models in addition to pet species, much the way human drugs are developed. Whereas many veterinary products are of questionable efficacy with little evidence of claimed biological effects, the SentrX products have been through extensive testing and evaluation.

Use of the new adhesion prevention films?

These products are similar in composition to the wound healing films, but are not manufactured on gauze. That is because they are intended for internal use in the prevention of post-surgical abdominal adhesions, neural adhesion and tendon/ligament adhesions. Films are placed between potentially sticky tissues to prevent the need for a second surgery to repair adhesions. Many surgeons are familiar with how to use films for these purposes.

Sterile films may be pre-hydrated with sterile water/saline or with body fluid at the surgical site before placing them among or around potentially adhesing tissues such as tendons, neural tissue and/or abdominal anatomy. Upon hydration, the film may tend to curl because it is initially hydrating on one side. Flipping the film over, or first dragging it through the fluid and then flipping the film will result in flat film that can be easily handled as it is place in the desired location.

Does SentrX plan any other products in the future?

In mid 2008, the Company will launch a gel-like material for treatment of corneal damage and eye ulcers. A major equine bone healing experiment is currently underway at the New Bolton Center at the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School. This and other work is being done to develop a bone repair product for late 2008.