Abstract: The invention provides a material for use in a wound dressing or wound implant, the material comprising a plurality of beads, wherein each bead comprises a porous core of a first bioabsorbable material and a substantially non-porous layer of a second bioabsorbable material around the core. The porous core is preferably a sponge formed by freeze-drying a liquid suspension of the first bioabsorbable material. The preferred diameter of the beads is 0.1-4.0 mm, and the beads are preferably dispersed in a liquid or solid matrix. The invention also provides a method of making beads for use in the materials of the invention.

Abstract: A centralizer (1) is provided with a hollow body (2) and a plurality of equally spaced arms (4). The arms (4) extend in the form of cup handles from the hollow body (2). Each arm (4) has a variable cross-section along its length with the cross-section becoming increasingly ovoid towards one end of the arm (4).

Abstract: The present invention provides the use of N-acetyl cysteine and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts and derivatives, for the preparation of a composition for treatment or prophylaxis of chronic ulcers. In particular, the treatment of venous ulcers, diabetic ulcers and decubitis ulcers.

Abstract: The invention provides wound treatment compositions comprising from 10.sup.-6 % to 1.0% w/w of one or more peptides, wherein the peptides are from 3 to 30 amino acid residues long and comprise the sequence Gly-Pro-Ala. Preferably, the peptides comprise the sequence Gly-Pro-Ala-Gly, more preferably at the N-terminus. The peptides exhibit a chemotactic effect towards fibroblasts.