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. Also, it has been prepared to assist sales representatives of SentrX distribution partners in presenting SentrX products to potential buyers/users. For additional information, specific problems, or especially challenging applications, please contact the company at www.sentrxanimalcare.com or 1-866-583-0662 during business hours, Mountain Time.
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 core 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 proprietary products offered by SentrX have arisen from science research laboratories, usually at a major research university, and that clinical/experimental evidence is available in peer-reviewed scientific literature and that the products work as claimed.
What products are currently available?
SentrX is currently selling two families of products for the horse and companion animal markets, one for various tissue repair applications and a second for the prevention of post-surgical adhesions in a variety of surgical protocols. In the US and Canada, 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 cell matrix. The "molecular scaffold" creates an ideal environment for cells to grow and differentiate into the appropriate tissue. 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. However, it is recommended that they not be frozen. Under these circumstances, both films and gels are stable for at least 2 years, and probably much longer. 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 these tissues 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, without scarring.
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 healthy 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, though dressing is not necessary for the products to work.
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. The gauze side is now stamped "gauze". IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE FILM SIDE IS APPLIED DIRECTLY TO THE WOUND.
How often must a product be applied?
This is the most common question from veterinarians using these products for the first time. It is a difficult question to answer and depends on the wound, the specific product and the health or age of the animal. The technology was developed in animal experiments using only a single application, so in fresh, healthy wounds in young animals, a single application will suffice to accelerate healing. In older animals where healing is usually slower, multiple (daily) applications may be necessary. In chronic wounds, especially those that have not responded well to other treatments, the wound may need repeated debridement followed by frequent re-treatment with SentrX' products. Some very instructive case studies are available on the website at www.sentrxanimalcare.com.
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 the film, it is a few days. The gels remain on the wound for a shorter period of time.
What are the costs of SentrX wound healing products?
Wound healing films and gel packs range in list price from about $3.80 per application, depending on the size and nature of the wound. The spray version costs only a few cents per application and the product contains enough material to use in several hundred applications. It is therefore useable on multiple patients and wounds of any size and provides the veterinarian an opportunity to significantly add to the clinic revenue.
This is extremely economical, given that SentrX products have been extensively tested in numerous animal models, 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. These results are available in the open scientific literature.
What is the safety of SentrX' product line?
SentrX products are very safe. The base chemical in SentrX' product is naturally found in all vertebrates. It can therefore be expected to elicit no host immune response. In the dozens of scientific studies performed thus far, there has never been an untoward reaction. Additionally, in clinical use, there has never been a documented case of any untoward reaction in an actual patient.
How should the new adhesion prevention films be used?
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 adhesions and tendon/ligament adhesions. Films are placed between potentially sticky tissues to prevent adhesions, which would likely require a second surgery. 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 tissues that may potentially form adhesions such as tendons, neural tissue and/or internal 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, will result in flat film that can be easily handled and placed in the desired location.
What about using SentrX products in food animals?
SentrX products have not been approved for use in animals intended for human consumption.
What about using SentrX products in the face of contamination or infection?
Contamination will be present in nearly all naturally occurring wounds. Contaminated wounds should be thoroughly cleaned prior to the application of a SentrX product. In clinical reports, this has been effective. At this time there is no scientific research to either indicate or contraindicate using SentrX products combined with topical antimicrobial agents. Managing contamination or potential infections systemically should always be considered by the attending veterinarian.
Does SentrX plan any other products in the future?
In mid 2009, the company launched Corneal Repair Gel Drops for treatment of corneal damage and ulcers. This product significantly accelerates the repair of damaged corneal tissues. There are currently no target species data on the use of the eye product, but it is currently in use by a number of feline veterinarians.
Clinical experiments have shown various SentrX formulations to help heal tendon lesions. These data have been submitted for publication in the scientific literature. In addition, SentrX has initiated a four-site clinical equine study at some leading clinics and veterinary schools. If all goes well in these studies, SentrX will launch a new tendon repair product in mid-2010.
SentrX has developed a new product for the repair of bone injuries/defects. This product should be available for purchase by early 2010.
