The growing challenge of Antimicrobial Resistance AMR
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when microorganisms evolve to resist antimicrobial treatments, due to random genetic mutations or the acquisition
of resistance genes from other bacteria. In turn, this can render antimicrobials treatments ineffective¹.
As antimicrobial resistance becomes more prevalent everyday infections will become harder to treat and the risk of routine medical procedures and
treatments, such as surgery or chemotherapy, will increase².
Without action, AMR could cause 10 million deaths per year by 2050 and cost the global economy £66 trillion³.

Why is Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) essential in wound care ?

Infection is a common complication in wound management and can develop in any type of wound, so finding methods to prevent and treat infection whilst minimising the risk of AMR is critical⁴. Wound infection can lead to delayed healing, spreading and systemic infection and poorer outcomes for patients⁵.

Chronic wounds are also frequently associated with underlying health conditions like diabetes, vascular disease, and obesity which can further compromise the body's ability to heal and fight off pathogens.

Whilst the prevention and treatment of wound infection is essential in wound care, the overuse or inappropriate use of antimicrobials can accelerate resistance².

This is what makes antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) such a critical element in wound care.

Monitoring and promoting the appropriate use of antimicrobials is a critical aspect of AMS to both reduce the risk of AMR and improve patient outcomes.

Medical Affairs Manager

Everyone has a part to play in the fight against the growing threat of Antimicrobial Resistance. Practicing Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) is essential to preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics and optimising patient outcomes for today and the future. Flaminal^® offers healthcare professionals an antimicrobial dressing that supports multiple aspects of wound healing whilst aligning with Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) principles.

Antimicobial Stewardship (AMS) recommendations in wound care :

• Preventing unnecessary use of antibiotics
• Using topical antimicrobial dressings appropriately
• Choosing products that are effective, safe, and present a low risk of resistance

Because Flaminal uses an advanced enzymatic antimicrobial system

Flaminal^® is an enzyme alginogel that provides broad-spectrum antimicrobial protection, helping to both protect against infection and treat infected wounds (under medical supervision). The unique GLG enzyme system, which consists of glucose oxidase, lactoperoxidase and guaiacol, generates multiple Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). These ROS attack bacteria in several different ways by damaging proteins, lipids, and DNA. This makes it much harder for resistance to develop6. No resistance to Flaminal^® has been recorded to date^7,8

Because Flaminal supports multiple aspects of wound healing

Flaminal^® provides optimum wound healing support through three main actions:

• Antimicrobial protection: proven to kill a broad spectrum of wound pathogens, including resistant strains such as MRSA, within 6 hours⁶.
• Absorption: physically absorbs exudate and microorganisms from the wound bed⁹.
• Continuous debridement: supports autolytic removal of devitalised tissue, which can provide the ideal environment for bacteria to thrive and delay healing¹⁰.

Flaminal^® is non-cytotoxic and doesn’t harm fibroblasts or keratinocytes crucial for wound healing, or damage surrounding skin. It can also be used safely and effectively throughout the wound infection continuum, to provide effective antimicrobial protection⁴. This is particularly important in patients at increased risk of infection, where prevention and early intervention are key treatment objectives.

Antimicrobial resistance in one page (AMR)

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References

1. World Health Organization. Antimicrobial resistance
2. Lipsky BA, Berendt AR, Cornia PB, et al. Antimicrobial stewardship in wound care: a position paper from the BSAC and EWMA. J Antimicrob Chemother. 2016;71:3026–35.
3. O’Neill J. Tackling Drug-Resistant Infections Globally: Final Report and Recommendations. Review on Antimicrobial Resistance; 2016.
4. Swanson T, et al. International Wound Infection Institute (IWII) Wound Infection in Clinical Practice. Wounds International; 2016.
5. Swanson T, Leaper D, Cullen B, et al. Wound infection in clinical practice: Principles of best practice. London: Wounds International; 2016
6. De Smet K, et al. Pre-clinical evaluation of a new antimicrobial enzyme for the control of wound bioburden. Wounds. 2009;21(3):65–73.
7. Gottrup F, Apelqvist J, Bjarnsholt T, et al. EWMA document: Antimicrobials and non-healing wounds – evidence, controversies and suggestions. J Wound Care. 2013;22(5
   Suppl):S1–89.
8. Phillips K. Multimodal wound care in infection continuum management: supporting antimicrobial stewardship through early intervention. Wounds UK. 2026;22(3)