SHERIDAN, WYOMING – May 7, 2025 – Convatec, a leading provider of medical products and technologies, has expressed its support for the postponement of Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) for skin substitutes in the United States until January 2026. This delay, made by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), ensures that Medicare patients in the US will continue to have access to InnovaMatrix®, a trusted product for treating diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and venous leg ulcers (VLUs).
A Strategic Decision for Continued Patient Access
Convatec’s response to the CMS’s postponement reflects the company’s commitment to patient care and healthcare professionals (HCPs). The decision will allow Medicare patients to benefit from the clinical effectiveness of InnovaMatrix®, a porcine placental-derived extracellular matrix designed to treat chronic wounds. The extension ensures that the product remains available for all 15 FDA-approved indications, maintaining its pivotal role in chronic wound management.
"We are grateful to the US Administration, Congress, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and CMS for this decision," said a Convatec spokesperson. "This delay will continue to provide critical access to InnovaMatrix® for Medicare patients, helping them manage and treat their chronic wounds."
Supporting Clinicians and Patients Through Real-World Evidence
InnovaMatrix® has garnered strong real-world results, proving its clinical value and fostering trust among clinicians. The product, which has been widely recognized for its positive impact on patients, continues to be a vital solution for those with chronic wounds. Convatec’s commitment to evidence-based medicine remains unwavering, with randomized controlled trials (RCTs) set to report in 2026. These trials, combined with the real-world evidence (RWE) already published, further solidify InnovaMatrix®’s efficacy and reliability.
Convatec’s ongoing investment in research and development aims to enhance patient outcomes and expand healthcare choices. The company emphasizes that future policies on skin substitutes should focus on protecting patient and provider choice while ensuring value for payors.
Long-Term Vision for Innovation in Skin Substitute Products
Looking ahead, Convatec is dedicated to shaping future policies for skin substitute products. The company advocates for policies that prioritize patient well-being and innovation, ensuring that healthcare providers have access to cutting-edge treatments. "Responsible and innovative companies like Convatec must be able to continue investing in the development of pioneering skin substitute products in the US," the spokesperson added.
Convatec remains committed to collaborating with the US Administration and CMS to ensure that future policies align with the best interests of both patients and providers, while maintaining access to life-changing technologies like InnovaMatrix®.
About Convatec’s InnovaMatrix®
InnovaMatrix® is a leading product in the field of wound care, developed as a porcine placental-derived extracellular matrix for the treatment of chronic, surgical, and trauma wounds. The product is FDA-cleared under a 510(k) medical device license and has been shown to deliver significant benefits for patients with chronic wounds. As a result, InnovaMatrix® is widely trusted by healthcare professionals for its clinical effectiveness.