The groundbreaking innovation is set to improve frontline and long-term burn wound care for faster healing and better outcomes.

CHARLESTON, S.C. (Feb. 6, 2025) 鈥� The South Carolina Burn Center at the 石榴视频黄色版 (MUSC) and The Zucker Institute for Innovation Commercialization (ZI) at MUSC are proud to announce a groundbreaking collaboration with Chitozan Health to develop new burn and wound gel products that combat infections and accelerate healing. This partnership aims to improve outcomes for patients by improving both frontline treatment and long-term recovery.

In the United States, more than 500,000 people receive treatment for burn injuries and serious skin wounds each year. According to the American Burn Association, approximately 30,000 patients are hospitalized each year for burn injury in the U.S. 鈥淎n advanced burn and wound gel that optimizes healing, kills bacteria, and protects skin cells is sorely needed,鈥� said Steven Kahn, M.D., chief of burn surgery at MUSC鈥檚 South Carolina Burn Center. 鈥淎n ideal product could be used by military and civilian first responders, emergency room providers, hospitals and outpatient clinics.鈥�

The innovative gels are designed to be applied easily over the entire burn surface, creating an immediate barrier to protect the affected area from further damage due to debris or infection. Preliminary studies suggest that during both the treatment and recovery stages, the gels will significantly reduce the risk of infection, maintain moisture in the wound and support the body鈥檚 natural healing process. The gel formulations were pioneered by Mike Yost, Ph.D., researcher and former Interim CEO of ZI, in collaboration with Kahn and faculty at Furman University and Wofford College. 

Research and development for the burn and wound gels will begin this spring at MUSC鈥檚 research facilities in Charleston, in collaboration with Chitozan Health鈥檚 research lab in Rochester, New York. South Carolina-based company Parimer, located in Easley, will also contribute by providing highly purified chitosan for the product鈥檚 formulation. The first products are expected to launch in the market beginning in 2026.

鈥淥ur patented Glucosil technology is a breakthrough in infection prevention, enabling faster recovery with less scarring while reducing the risk of antimicrobial resistance,鈥� said Austin Van Horn, president of Chitozan Health. 鈥淏y combining our technology with MUSC鈥檚 innovative gel formulations, we expect to deliver measurable improvements in patient outcomes and quality of care.鈥�

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石榴视频黄色版 MUSC 

Founded in 1824 in Charleston, MUSC is the state鈥檚 only comprehensive academic health system, with a mission to preserve and optimize human life in South Carolina through education, research and patient care. Each year, MUSC educates over 3,100 students in six colleges and trains 950+ residents and fellows across its health system. MUSC leads the state in federal and National Institutes of Health and research funding. For information on our academic programs, visit .

As the health care system of the 石榴视频黄色版, MUSC Health is dedicated to delivering the highest-quality and safest patient care while educating and training generations of outstanding health care providers and leaders to serve the people of South Carolina and beyond. In 2024, for the 10th consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report named MUSC Health University Medical Center in Charleston the No. 1 hospital in South Carolina. To learn more about clinical patient services, visit muschealth.org.MUSC has a total enterprise annual operating budget of $7.1 billion. The 31,000 MUSC members include world-class faculty, physicians, specialty providers, scientists, contract employees, affiliates and care team members who deliver groundbreaking education, research, and patient care.

石榴视频黄色版 the Zucker Institute for Innovation Commercialization

The Zucker Institute for Innovation Commercialization (ZI) at MUSC specializes in translating groundbreaking medical research into real-world applications. ZI鈥檚 mission is to drive innovation in healthcare by fostering collaboration between researchers, clinicians, and industry leaders.

石榴视频黄色版 Chitozan Health

Chitozan Health LLC is an industry leader in antimicrobial technologies, dedicated to developing innovative solutions for improved patient care. Its proprietary Glucosil technology harnesses the natural benefits of silver chitosan to combat infections and enhance healing.