In January 2025, the Ohio State Comprehensive Burn Center, in the Division of Trauma, Critical Care and Burn, made global history by becoming the first in the world to use Cohealyx, a groundbreaking collagen-based skin substitute for burn treatment, in a new clinical trial.
The new burn treatment is used on burns that penetrate all layers of the skin and require preparation for skin grafting.
“We have been doing the same thing for skin grafts for decades, and this new burn treatment is a step into modern medicine,” says John Loftus, MD, assistant clinical professor of Surgery on the burn team. “Cohealyx is a layer of protection on burns that has never been there before when grafting.
“It’s truly a game-changer for our patients,” Dr. Loftus says. “Unlike traditional treatments that require weeks before a skin graft can be performed, Cohealyx allows us to prepare the wound bed and graft in as little as seven to 10 days. That means patients heal sooner, spend less time in the hospital and get back to their lives faster.”
The team has also found patients are experiencing less pain when Cohealyx is used.
“We’ve had a substantial reduction in pain at donor sites – almost zero pain – whereas typically the donor site is the most painful portion of the procedure,” says Ariel Rodgers, MD, assistant clinical professor of Surgery on the burn team.
This clinical trial is just one of 14 major clinical trials the Burn Center is enrolled in.
“We continue to set new standards in trauma and burn care, and we’re incredibly proud to offer our patients access to the latest advancements in burn care,” says Nicole Bernal, MD, clinical professor of Surgery and director of the burn program at Ohio State.
“Our team’s commitment to research and patient care has positioned us as a go-to center for companies developing new burn therapies,” Dr. Loftus says. “Dr. Nicole Bernal has been instrumental in mentoring our team and shaping the vision that brought Cohealyx to Ohio State.”
As a recognized leader in burn research and innovation, the Burn Center continues to shape the future of burn care – attracting global collaborators and driving clinical advancements.