This document introduces an antimicrobial biofilm wound gel called BLASTX. It summarizes that biofilms are communities of bacteria embedded in a protective matrix that cause chronic infections by blocking antimicrobial penetration. BLASTX works by deconstructing the biofilm matrix, destroying pathogens, and preventing reformation through a proprietary technology. It has broad-spectrum activity against bacteria and fungi commonly found in wounds. Studies show BLASTX, when used in combination with standard of care, reduces wound size and increases healing rates by disrupting the biofilm.

1. Introducing
Distributed by Douglas Pharmaceuticals Ltd Auckland BlastX and XBio are trademarks of Next Science LLC September 2022

2. Antimicrobial Biofilm Wound Gel
Challenge with Biofilms

3. Antimicrobial Biofilm Wound Gel
What is Biofilm?
Percival SL, Vuotto C, Donelli G, Lipsky BA. Biofilms and wounds: an identification algorithm and potential treatment options. Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle). 2015;4(7):389
Biofilms are powerful communities of bacteria that function as a single entity with
behaviours and defences that can produce chronic and recurrent infections.
These bacteria are protected within a matrix, surrounded by a defensive “slime”
layer, called the Extracellular Polymeric Substance (EPS) that adheres to
surfaces and forms biofilms.
Only 10% to 20% of a wound biofilm is composed of microorganisms; the other
80% to 90% is EPS.
The EPS acts as a physical barrier obstructing the penetration of antimicrobials,
and obstructing host defences, making it difficult for such treatments to reach the
biofilm bacteria for eradication and removal.

4. Antimicrobial Biofilm Wound Gel
BACTERIA – Planktonic and Biofilm Matrixed
10%
90% of bacteria exist in
biofilms structure
of bacteria are
planktonic/ free-floating

5. Antimicrobial Biofilm Wound Gel
Where is it – Biofilm
Biofilms form within 5-10
mins after suture
Evidence has shown that biofilms exist in at
least 5 different locations in wounds:
Did you know?
Within the wound bed
Within deep tissue
Within and on slough
Within and on necrotic tissue
Wound dressings

6. Antimicrobial Biofilm Wound Gel
Biofilm involved 90% chronic infections
Microbial Biofilm Lifecycle
Biofilms are persistent
Biofilm Development
Individual microbes
Patient Quality of Life
HCP time and financial impact
Significantly delay wound healing
We can’t see them
Biofilms reform within 5 mins
Mature biofilms spawn new colonies
Location of biofilm attachment (catheters,
devices, dressings)
Hyperinflammation
Host immunity

7. Antimicrobial Biofilm Wound Gel
• Infection
• Pain
• Malodour
IDF . IDF Diabetes Atlas. 9th ed. International Diabetes Federation; Brussels, Belgium: 2019
Impact of Biofilm
• Highly stressful
• Isolating
• Debilitating/Loss of function
• Extended hospital stay
• Increased cost
• Social and family impact
Individuals also live in fear of
recurrence and complications
Clinical impact
Patient impact

8. Antimicrobial Biofilm Wound Gel
By 2050 infection will be the largest cause of worldwide death1
10 million people
will die every year due to
antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
Biofilm influences 65%
of all microbial infections, and
85% of all chronic infections
Pathogenic
Biofilm
Drives AMR
doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(21)02724-0 Bull World Health Organ. 2016 Sep 1;94(9):638-639. doi: 10.2471/BLT.16.020916. Erratum in: Bull World Health Organ. 2016 Oct 1;94(10 ):784. PMID: 27708467; PMCID:
PMC5034641. Malone M. et al. The prevalence of biofilms in chronic wounds: a systematic review and meta-analysis of published data. J Wound Care 2017: 26(1): 20-25
Biofilm’s role in resistance
Biofilm contribute to
phenotypic resistance
Biofilm is physical barrier to
antimicrobials
Treating biofilm could be a key
factor in pushing the wound
toward a healing state

10. Antimicrobial Biofilm Wound Gel
The BLASTX patient
BLASTX is Medsafe and TGA approved as a Medical Device
BLASTX antimicrobial biofilm wound gel for the management of wounds such as:
Partial and full thickness wounds
Pressure injuries
Diabetic foot and leg wounds
First and second-degree burns
Grafted and donor sites
Surgical site infections

11. Antimicrobial Biofilm Wound Gel
Miller KG et al. Next Science Wound Gel Technology, a Novel Agent That Inhibits Biofilm Development by Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Wound Pathogens. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 2014. 58(6): 3060
DECONSTRUCTS
the biofilm
DESTROYS
pathogens within
the XBIO™ technology
DEFENDS
against recolonisation
Removes metal ions of the
EPS, exposing pathogens
within the biofilm
High osmolarity environment +
antimicrobial surfactant induces
lysis of bacteria within the gel
Biofilm matrix cannot
reform in the presence
of BLASTX
How does BLASTX work?

12. Antimicrobial Biofilm Wound Gel
Miller KG et al. Next Science Wound Gel Technology, a Novel Agent That Inhibits Biofilm Development by Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Wound Pathogens. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 2014. 58(6): 3060
BLASTX in clinic
Biofilm removal + moisture protection promotes healing and reduces risk of scar formation
Non toxic hydrogel – no systemic uptake
Broad spectrum activity for bacteria and fungi
including:
S. aureus, S. epidermidis, P. aeruginosa, A.
baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, MRSA
Deconstructs biofilm, prevents reformation
Retains moist wound environment
Promotes autolytic debridement
Up to 5 days wear time

13. Antimicrobial Biofilm Wound Gel
STEP 2
• Cover with appropriate dressing.
• Do not use alginate dressings.
• Reapply with each dressing change.
BLASTX: How to apply
STEP 1
• Apply BLASTX directly to the wound on a flat surface.
• Apply BLASTX 3mm thick and cover the entire wound
bed to the wound edge.
Best practice wound bed preparation before application

14. Antimicrobial Biofilm Wound Gel
Wolcott, R. (2015). Disrupting the biofilm matrix improves wound healing outcomes. Journal of Wound Care 24(8), 366-71. Kim D, et al.
Wounds. 2018;30(5):120-130. Miller KG et al. Next Science Wound Gel Technology, a Novel Agent That Inhibits Biofilm Development by
Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Wound Pathogens. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 2014. 58(6): 3060 -3072
Broad spectrum efficacy
Combination with Standard of Care
Reduces wound bed volume
Increases wound healing rates
Antimicrobial Biofilm Wound Gel