Purchase agreement provides pioneering cellular therapy technology to the VHA
ALEXANDRIA, Va. and ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 27, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — MellingMedical has signed a Wound Care Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA), which will provide the Kerecis fish-skin, wound-care technology to veterans suffering from combat-related trauma, burns, diabetic ulcers and surgical wounds. The five-year contract (MSPV BPA 36C24C20A01890) will enable the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the largest integrated health care system in the country, to offer this treatment to the 9 million veterans currently enrolled in the VHA healthcare program.
“This pioneering technology is a leading option for protecting and healing the body’s largest organ, the skin, whether the veterans are receiving treatment for combat wounds or are among the 25% of veterans who suffer from diabetes,” said Chris Melling, founder, president and CEO of MellingMedical. “The men and women who have served our country deserve the best possible care, including the innovative therapies developed by Kerecis.”
The Kerecis product is intact fish skin that, when grafted onto damaged human tissue, recruits the body’s own cells and is ultimately converted into living tissue. Because no disease-transfer risk exists between cold-water fish and humans, the Kerecis fish skin is only gently processed and retains its similarity to human skin, making it an ideal skin substitute. Fish skin also contains Omega3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. The fish skin comes from cod, which is sustainably caught in North Atlantic waters.
“At Kerecis, our mission is to extend human life by supporting the body’s own ability to regenerate tissues,” said G. Fertram Sigurjonsson, founder and CEO of Kerecis. “American veterans are nearly 15% more likely to develop diabetes than the general population, increasing the likelihood that they will develop diabetic ulcers. Our partnership with MellingMedical will help us close the care gap for those who need these therapies the most.”
About MellingMedical
MellingMedical, a CVE-Verified Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), holds a Medical Equipment and Surgical Supply Schedule (Med/Surg), as well as a Pharmaceutical Schedule, and currently serves more than 165 VA Medical Centers and 300 VA Outpatient clinics, all seven (7) VA CMOPs, 95 DoD Medical Facilities and Health and Human Services (HHS), including Indian Health Services (IHS) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC). MellingMedical provides access to innovative and cost-effective healthcare solutions in ophthalmology, optometry, urology and wound care, as well as a full range of pharmaceutical products through partnership with more than 50 recognized quality manufacturing partners.
For more information on MellingMedical‘s full line of medical/surgical supplies, durable medical equipment and pharmaceutical products, visit www.mellingmedical.com.
