Efficacy of Cytoreg in the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Disease
A compassionate-use study evaluated Cytoreg—an investigational aqueous acid blend—administered orally and topically to patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) over 30 days.
Key Highlights:
- Study Design: Ten patients participated. All received oral Cytoreg; five also received weekly topical washes. Wound progress was tracked using the Saint Elian scoring system.
- Healing Outcomes: In the oral + topical group, 4 of 5 patients achieved complete healing; the fifth lost necrotic tissue. In the oral-only group, 2 of 4 achieved complete healing.
- Systemic Effects: Both groups showed significant rises in arterial hemoglobin and arterial oxygen partial pressure, along with reductions in HbA1c, liver enzymes, creatinine, and urea levels.
- Safety & Justification: No major adverse events were noted. Findings support the need for larger, controlled trials.
This preliminary study highlights Cytoreg’s potential to accelerate DFU closure and improve systemic laboratory markers—particularly when combined with topical application. However, randomized controlled trials are needed to validate efficacy and safety.
Based on Carrillo et al., “Efficacy of Cytoreg in the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Disease,” Journal of Wound Care (December 2024).
Keywords: Cytoreg, diabetic foot ulcer, Saint Elian system, acid therapy, systemic oxygen
Read the full article on Wound Central
🔬 Spotlight: Acid-Based Therapies & Oxygen-Enhancing Adjuncts for DFUs
With Cytoreg showing promise as both an oral and topical treatment for diabetic foot ulcers, clinicians may look to similar agents that modulate tissue pH, promote oxygen delivery, or support wound debridement and granulation through biochemical means.
- Granudacyn® (Mölnlycke): A hypochlorous-acid–based wound irrigation solution and gel. Offers antimicrobial action while supporting moist wound healing. Safe for long-term use and ideal for DFUs at risk of infection.
- UrgoClean Ag® (Urgo Medical): Though not acid-based, this silver-reinforced fiber dressing helps modulate local bioburden and create a favorable wound pH microenvironment for DFU healing.
- Topical Oxygen Therapy (e.g., NATROX®, Epiflo®): These devices deliver low-flow oxygen directly to the wound bed, enhancing angiogenesis and collagen synthesis. Similar to the systemic oxygenation improvements seen with Cytoreg in early studies.
- pH-modulating gels (e.g., Wound pHarma prototypes): Still investigational, these are designed to shift chronic wound pH from alkaline to mildly acidic, restoring protease activity balance and promoting granulation.
- Hydrochlorous Acid Sprays (e.g., Vashe®, Puracyn®): Used for wound cleansing and inflammation control. While not systemic, their acidic pH and antimicrobial profile support wound bed preparation—especially in biofilm-laden DFUs.
Adjuncts that influence the wound’s chemical microenvironment—either through pH, oxygenation, or targeted biochemical pathways—are increasingly seen as critical tools alongside debridement and systemic support in diabetic foot ulcer management. Cytoreg’s dual administration model is an emerging concept worth watching as trials expand.