Dermagraft(R) for the Treatment of Patients With Diabetic Foot Ulcers

A Prospective, Multicenter, Randomized, Single-Blind Clinical Investigation of Dermagraft(R) in Patients With Plantar Diabetic Foot Ulcers

This study randomly assigns patients with plantar diabetic foot ulcers to receive conventional therapy (debridement, infection control, saline-moistened gauze dressings, and standardized off-weighting) alone or conventional therapy plus Dermagraft(R). Dermagraft is a device containing live human fibroblasts grown on an absorbable polyglactin (Vicryl) mesh. Patients are evaluated weekly until Week 12, then every four weeks until Week 32.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patient is 18 years old or older.
• Patient has a current diagnosis of NIDDM or IDDM.
• Patient's ulcer is present for a minimum of two weeks under the current Investigator's care
• The study ulcer has healed <50% in size during the two weeks leading up to randomization
• The study ulcer is on the plantar surface of the forefoot
• The ulcer is >/= 1.0 cm2 at Day 0 (the day of randomization).
• The ulcer extends through the dermis and into subcutaneous tissue but without exposure of muscle, tendon, bone, or joint capsule.
• The ulcer is free of necrotic debris and clinical infection and is comprised of healthy, vascular tissue and is suitable for skin grafting.
• The patient's Ankle-Arn Index by Doppler is >0.1
• There is adequate circulation to the foot to allow for healing.
• The patient's diabetes is under control as determined by the Investigator.
• Female patients capable of bearing children must test negative for pregnancy and must use an acceptable means of birth control.
• Patient and caregiver are willing to participate in the clinical study and can comply with the follow-up regimen.
• Patient or his/her legal representative has read and signed the Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved Informed Consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patient has clinical evidence of gangrene on any part of the affected foot.
• The ulcer is over a Charcot deformity.
• The ulcer has a nondiabetic etiology.
• The ulcer has tunnels or sinus tracts that cannot be completely debrided.
• The patient's diabetes is uncontrolled and could interfere with the completion of the study.
• There is a medical condition(s) that in the Investigator's opinion make the patient an inappropriate candidate for this study.
• Patient has/had a malignant disease not in remission for 5 years or more.
• Patient has acute or chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, has a serum albumin of <2.0 gms/dL, or has alkaline phosphatase or LDH at twice the upper limit of the normal range.
• Patient is receiving oral or parenteral corticosteroids, immunosuppressive or cytotoxic agents, or is anticipated to require such agents during the course of the study.
• Patient has Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) or is infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
• Patient has participated in another study utilizing an investigational drug or device within the previous 30 days.
• The ulcer has cellulitis, osteomyelitis, or other clinical evidence of infection.
• Patient has any condition(s) which seriously compromises their ability to complete this study.