Abstract: The present invention relates to the diagnosis, prognosis and/or treatment of wound infection by testing wound fluid for the presence of a marker which is present in an amount which is indicative of infection. The marker may be high molecular weight phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) or a marker which is correlated with cPLA2.

Abstract: A wound dressing for vacuum therapy comprising: a cover configured for placement over the wound to maintain a reduced pressure over the wound and adapted for communication with a source of vacuum, and a screen structure for placement between the cover and the wound, wherein the screen structure is adapted to remove or inactivate undesirable components from the wound environment and/or to concentrate desirable components present in the wound environment. Also provided are kits for the assembly of such wound dressings, and systems comprising the wound dressings in combination with a source of vacuum.

Abstract: The invention provides a wound dressing comprising a therapeutic agent and a matrix comprising polymers joined by cross-linkages which cross-linkages comprise oligopeptidic sequences which are cleavable by a kallikrein associated with wound fluid such that the rate of release of the therapeutic agent increases in the presence of elevated kallikrein levels.

Abstract: The invention provides a wound dressing comprising a therapeutic agent and a matrix comprising polymers joined by cross-linkages which cross-linkages comprise oligopeptidic sequences which are cleavable by a protease associated with wound fluid such that the rate of release of the therapeutic agent increases in the presence of the protease.

Abstract: The invention relates to wound dressings comprising a tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor that stimulates collagen deposition and fibroblast proliferation thereby accelerating wound healing. Preferred tyrosine phosphatase inhibitors are complexes of vanadate and peroxovanadate with organic ligands.

Abstract: There are described devices implantable in the human or animal body. Such a device takes the form of a pre-formed three-dimensional article, comprising at least in part a material which is hydratable and capable of bonding to tissue whilst retaining its integrity. The material may be activated, leading to cross-linking of the material and the formation of chemical bonds between the material and tissue to which it is applied. In preferred embodiments the material has self-adhesive properties. The article may have a wide variety of shapes to suit its intended purpose, and may be manufactured by a variety of methods.