(Image of wound care based on the “TIMERS” concept)
News
Gunze Expands Wound Care Distribution Network with Gunze Medical
Improve patient quality of life by better understanding the needs of clinical sites
Osaka-Gunze Limited (Headquarters: Osaka, Japan, President: Toshiyasu Saguchi) [TOKYO: 3002] is pleased to announce that Gunze Medical, a comprehensive medical device manufacturer that handles everything from research to sales, has strengthened its wound care sales channel in Japan on April 1. In addition, Gunze Medical has started sales in China through a new distributor, then the company has established a strong distribution network in Japan, USA and China.
Gunze began manufacturing and marketing the artificial dermis (brand name: PELNAC®) in Japan in 1993. Since then, the company has been engaged in the wound care medical device business based on the “TIMERS” concept. Gunze medical has contributed to improving the quality of life of patients through the research, development and sale of medical devices based on this concept.
What is “TIMERS” concept ?
"TIMERS" is a strategic concept that identifies the specific factors necessary for a wound to heal quickly. T stands for “Tissue non-viable and deficient”, which means removing the dead tissue from the wound. I stands for “Infection and Inflammation”, which means washing the wound well and using medications to reduce the number of bacteria to control infection. M stands for "Moisture imbalance," which means absorbing exudate. E stands for "Edge of wound not advancing or undermined," which means removing factors that prevent skin movement, such as voids in the wound or curling of the skin around the edges of the wound. S stands for “Social and patient related factors”, which means addressing and supporting the social issues of the wounded patient.
Measures to strengthen distribution channels
In Japan, Gunze will directly sell the artificial dermis as PELNAC®, wound dressings (fiber pads for debridement) and other medical devices for wound care from April 1, 2023. This will strengthen our ability to develop new products by understanding needs close to clinical sites.
In the US, Gunze and Bioventus entered into an exclusive distribution agreement for the artificial dermis as Theragenesis® (US brand name of PELNAC) in October 2022.
In China, Gunze Medical Equipment (Shenzhen), a subsidiary of Gunze, and Essex Medipharma (Zuhai) entered into an exclusive distribution agreement for artificial dermis as PELNAC® in October 2022. Essex Medipharma is a leading pharmaceutical company in China, headquartered in Hong Kong, marketing and selling through approximately 10,900 hospitals and directly through its 43 regional sales offices in China. The combination of its flagship product bFGF (basic fibroblast growth factor) with PELNAC is expected to strengthen sales in China.
About Gunze Medical
- Established
- April 1986 (a consolidated subsidiary of Gunze Limited)
- Headquarters
- JRE Dojima Tower 5F, 2-4-27 Dojima, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
- Representative Director
- Shojiro Matsuda
- Business
- Plastic surgery, neurosurgery, oral surgery, cosmetic surgery, pediatric surgery, cardiovascular surgery, dermatology, and other related medical equipment Sales, consulting on opening a business Development and sales of medical equipment
- Website
- https://www.gunzemedical.co.jp/
About Gunze
Gunze was founded in Kyoto, Japan in 1896, and today operates diverse businesses as a leading developer and manufacturer of Medical Devices, Plastic Films, Engineering Plastics, Electronic Components, Apparel, and various other segments. Gunze employs more than 5,600 people worldwide throughout 10 countries.
The Medical Device business, established in 1985, has a substantial footprint in over 35 countries. Its head office and manufacturing facility are located in Kyoto, Japan, and has subsidiaries in the U.S., EU, and China. By applying innovative fiber and polymer processing technologies, Gunze manufactures a comprehensive range of medical products focused on bioabsorbable and biocompatible materials such as skin substitutes, tissue reinforcement felt, bone fixation devices, dural substitutes, and suture thread. Gunze’s mission will continue to be centered on advancing the quality of life of patients by providing innovative solutions to improve clinical outcomes.