Alafair Biosciences, Inc., a leading innovator in medical device technology, is pleased to announce the first patient enrolled at UC Davis Foot and Ankle Orthopaedics Clinic, as part of a prospective, multi-center, controlled case series evaluating the clinical outcomes of VersaWrap® in Achilles tendon repair.
This B.R.A.A.D study, which stands for “Better Recovery, Hyaluronic Acid (HA) and Alginate Device” represents Alafair’s commitment to improving surgical outcomes and reducing the burdens often associated with tendon repair. Designed with and conducted by investigators across multiple sites in the United States, the study will assess the performance of VersaWrap in reducing postoperative complications such as tendon tethering.
“Tendon injuries, especially those involving the Achilles, are challenging cases to treat due to the anatomical and mechanical demands placed on the foot and ankle,” said Principal Investigator Eric Giza, MD. “We’ve been utilizing VersaWrap in tendon procedures for a substantial period of time and we’re now excited to take the next step and formally quantify these results.”
Tendons play a vital role in joint movement by connecting muscle to bone and by transmitting force. However, exposure to repetitive use, weight-bearing stress, and potential trauma makes tendons prone to injury. Traditional surgical repair techniques are limited by long healing times, a high likelihood of scar tissue formation, and revision surgery which often results in reduced tendon gliding and limited postoperative range of motion.
The B.R.A.A.D Study aims to evaluate how VersaWrap, a bioresorbable, sutureless tendon protection device, may alleviate these issues by reducing tendon tethering.
“The B.R.A.A.D. study’s longer-term impact on patient outcomes will be the design of more efficient medical devices that reduce tendon scarring and enhance tendon gliding, thereby decreasing postoperative burden such as limited range of motion and pain,” added Chief Scientific Officer, Sarah Mayes, Ph.D. “Its impact is broader than gathering clinical evidence of device effectiveness. The B.R.A.A.D. study will also inform ongoing product development and the future of addressing soft tissue motion preservation.”
With enrollment now active, Alafair is poised to gather real-world clinical data that may shape the future of tendon repair and reinforce the role of VersaWrap as a next-generation solution in soft tissue protection.
