Last Updated on: 21st November 2023, 09:43 pm
Sky Medical Technology Ltd, a leading UK-based medical device manufacturer, has made a significant announcement today: their innovative geko device is now reimbursed in the UK, marking a pivotal development in chronic wound care.
Recent findings from a multi-centre randomised self-controlled trial reveal that the geko device, when used alongside multi-layer compression, effectively doubles the healing rate of venous leg ulcers compared to compression therapy alone. Moreover, independent health economic data substantiates the cost-effectiveness of the geko device.
High Wycombe, UK. 20th November – As the parent company of Firstkind Ltd, Sky Medical Technology Ltd proudly announces that its state-of-the-art wearable geko device has gained reimbursement status in the UK. This breakthrough serves as a catalyst, enabling healthcare professionals to propose the inclusion of this device in local formulary lists within Integrated Care Systems (ICS). Consequently, this advancement could benefit approximately 5.3 million UK residents suffering from venous leg ulcers (VLUs), offering them access to the geko device and a new avenue for treating persistent chronic wounds.
To qualify for reimbursement, products must exhibit not only safety and quality but also demonstrate a positive impact on patient outcomes and an ability to reduce overall patient pathway costs. The geko device has shown promising clinical outcomes, significant clinician time savings, and considerable economic and environmental benefits within the wound management system.
Compact in size, resembling a small wrist-watch, the geko device is a wearable neuromuscular electrostimulator. It adheres to the skin just below the knee, over the fibula bone’s head. The device emits a gentle electrical pulse every second, targeting the common peroneal nerve. This activation increases venous, arterial, and microvascular blood flow by stimulating the calf and foot muscle pumps, effectively mirroring exercise benefits.
Designed for home use, the geko device seamlessly integrates into the current VLU treatment pathway. It empowers patients to manage their care independently, fitting effortlessly into daily routines, and facilitates shared care with family members and healthcare professionals. This is supported by a high concordance rate of 94%, as reported in a recent study[1].
The study[1], a 2023 randomised self-controlled trial, underscores the efficacy of the geko device. When used in conjunction with standard care, it doubles the healing rate of VLUs compared to standard care alone. Additionally, independent health economic modelling has proven the geko device to be cost-effective.
To establish a solid economic case, Firstkind engaged Richard Tuson from Health Analytical Solutions Ltd (HAS) to independently assess the economic impact of the clinical trial data and the subsequent real-world application of the geko device in this patient group. HAS also spearheaded the successful application for UK reimbursement, enabling healthcare professionals to prescribe the geko device from 1st November 2023.
Commenting – Richard Tuson, Health Analytical Solutions Ltd (HAS)
“Venous leg ulcers are a growing burden, most often caused by compromised venous return. Worldwide, the annual costs for managing and treating VLUs is rising, and in Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK and USA the spend ranges from $0.24 billion (France) to $4.94 billion (US) and totalled US$10.73 billion in the geographies analysed[2].
Patients commonly experience pain and limited mobility, which can lead to depression, anxiety and social isolation, ultimately resulting in a reduced quality of life. Due to the savings related to accelerated rate of healing, the health economic modelling concludes that the cost of the geko device, in combination with standard of care for treating hard-to-heal venous leg ulcers, is lower than standard of care alone.
The geko device optimises wound care professionals time and resources, resulting in significant cost savings for healthcare systems.”
Commenting – Bernard Ross, Founder and CEO of Sky Medical Technology
“This is a key milestone for our business and for our global wound franchise specifically. Securing UK reimbursement is a major step towards helping the one in 50 people in the UK suffering with chronic wounds to access a treatment that accelerates the rate of healing, particularly in wounds that struggle to heal with standard of care alone and represent the highest patient cost. It also cements our commitment to the streamlining of wound care through evidence-based clinical and economic efficiency for better patient outcomes and quality of life.“
For more information on how to access the geko device, click here.
