July 14, 2005
UK Manufacturing Deal For Comvita Medical
In the latest step in a strategy to expand the world market for manuka honey-based medical products, Comvita New Zealand
Medical Division has signed an agreement with a UK wound dressing manufacturer to produce an innovative range of new
wound dressings. The agreement with medical products company Brightwake will allow Comvita to extend their medical
product range, building on the early success of Comvita's ApiNate™ wound dressing.
Comvita launched ApiNate™ Dressings in New Zealand and overseas markets earlier this year. The novel wound dressings
combine absorbent alginate (seaweed) fibres with medical grade active manuka honey.
More and more hospitals, rest homes and general practitioner surgeries around the world are taking it up, according to
Comvita Chief Executive, Graeme Boyd.
He says the deal with Brightwake ensures we have the necessary manufacturing capability to progress in the global
medical wound care arena.
"Early acceptance and sales of medical honey products means we can accelerate the development of next generation
products," Mr Boyd says.
Comvita Medical Division Manager Ray Lewis adds that international recognition of Comvita's range of patented wound
dressings is growing at a rapid rate.
Distribution agreements are already underway and more are in the pipeline for territories around the world.
"This manufacturing agreement has been part of Comvita's plan to bring a larger product range to the market, we are
right on track," says Mr Lewis.
A New Zealand-based clinical trial, currently underway, is measuring against standard treatment the healing effect of
Manuka honey as a treatment for leg ulcers in the elderly.
The 'Honey as Adjuvant Leg Ulcer Therapy' or HALT trial is recruiting patients through district nurses from the central
Auckland, Counties Manukau and Waikato District Health Boards, and Christchurch's Nurse Maude Association.
Brightwake is a private limited liability company founded in 1979 offering a full contract manufacturing service to the
medical industry. It specialises in making medical and technical products including dressings, pads, bandages, straps
and technical fabrics.
ENDS