MUSC burn center and MUSC Zucker Institute partner with Chitozan Health to develop advanced antimicrobial burn and wound gels

The groundbreaking innovation is set to revolutionize burn and wound care for faster healing and better outcomes

The South Carolina Burn Center at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and The Zucker Institute for Innovation Commercialization (ZI) at MUSC are proud to announce a groundbreaking collaboration with Chitozan Health to develop new burn and wound gel products that combat infections and accelerate healing. This partnership aims to improve outcomes for patients by improving both frontline treatment and long-term recovery.

In the United States, more than 500,000 people receive treatment for burn injuries and serious skin wounds each year. According to the American Burn Association, approximately 30,000 patients are hospitalized each year for burn injury in the U.S. “An advanced burn and wound gel that optimizes healing, kills bacteria, and protects skin cells is sorely needed,” said Steven Kahn, M.D., chief of burn surgery at MUSC’s South Carolina Burn Center. “An ideal product could be used by military and civilian first responders, emergency room providers, hospitals and outpatient clinics.”

The innovative gels are designed to be applied easily over the entire burn surface, creating an immediate barrier to protect the affected area from further damage due to debris or infection. Preliminary studies suggest that during both the treatment and recovery stages, the gels will significantly reduce the risk of infection, maintain moisture in the wound and support the body’s natural healing process. The gel formulations were pioneered by Mike Yost, Ph.D., researcher and former Interim CEO of ZI, in collaboration with Kahn and faculty at Furman University and Wofford College.

Research and development for the burn and wound gels will begin this spring at MUSC’s research facilities in Charleston, in collaboration with Chitozan Health’s research lab in Rochester, New York. South Carolina-based company Parimer, located in Easley, will also contribute by providing highly purified chitosan for the product’s formulation. The first products are expected to launch in the market beginning in 2026.

“Our patented Glucosil technology is a breakthrough in infection prevention, enabling faster recovery with less scarring while reducing the risk of antimicrobial resistance,” said Austin Van Horn, president of Chitozan Health. “By combining our technology with MUSC’s innovative gel formulations, we expect to deliver measurable improvements in patient outcomes and quality of care.”