FDA: Israeli Burn Therapy Using Pineapple Protein Okay For Children  

The US Food and Drug Administration has granted approval for an Israeli therapy for severe burns based on pineapple protein enzymes to be used to treat children. 

Yavne-based MediWound’s NexoBrid gel uses dehydrated bromelain and other enzymes found in the pineapple plant, which become active when mixed with liquid and applied to the skin.

The treatment is applied topically to first- or second-degree burn wounds, breaking down the damaged or dead tissue while preserving the healthy tissue surrounding it.  

The latest approval from the FDA means that the gel is now authorized for use by all age groups in the US, as it is in the European Union and Japan.

“Today’s announcement marks a significant milestone in our mission to improve burn care with NexoBrid,” said MediWound CEO Ofer Gonen. 

“Pediatric burn victims represent over 30 percent of the total burn population, and the current surgical standard of care can be extremely traumatic for both patients and their families,” he said.

“Since NexoBrid’s initial approval, we have been dedicated to expanding its use to children, reflecting our long-term commitment to revolutionizing burn care.”

NexoBrid has been available in Israeli hospitals for some time, but the company says the treatment saw an unprecedented surge in demand following the October 7 attacks by Hamas terrorists from Gaza, whose murderous rampage included torching Israeli homes to force out the people hiding in their secure rooms.