An international study which could lead to a breakthrough in the treatment of leg ulcers is being pioneered by a Bradford professor.

Professor Peter Vowden, head of vascular surgery at Bradford Royal Infirmary, is the principal investigator of a key study being carried out in England, Canada and the United States.

It is investigating a new wound care product in patients with venous leg ulcers that have failed to heal despite conventional treatment.

Venous leg ulcers are caused by untreated varicose veins or deep vein thrombosis causing damage to vein function and which can over years damage the skin, leading to ulcers.

The distressing problem affects one to two per cent of the population.

Prof Vowden has teamed up with Intercytex, a Manchester healthcare company, to research a product called ICX-PRO, which is designed to stimulate active repair in chronic wounds.

It involves a simple dressing but contains living cells that produce growth factors which stimulate healing.

About 200 patients suffering from venous leg ulcers which have not responded to treatment for at least three months are being recruited to the Phase III trial. Half the patients will receive the new active product, a quarter will get a placebo and a quarter will receive standard treatment of a four-layer compression bandage.

Prof Vowden said: "This product has the potential to be a significant improvement in wound care. As it will be more expensive, what we need to do is prove it works in a cost-effective way.

"My aim is to ensure that, when new products are introduced, they are introduced correctly with evidence that supports their use and people know how to use the product appropriately. Laboratory results and results from earlier clinical trials suggest that it might be a useful product."

Prof Vowden said the existing treatment of high compression bandaging was very effective, getting most patients better within 12 to 24 weeks.

"But there are 20 per cent of people who do not respond and these are the ones I am interested in trying the treatment on," he said. "All the evidence suggests that this dressing will encourage these difficult ulcers to heal but before we can use it in the NHS we have to prove that this is the case, not assume it."

Anyone who has a leg ulcer which is not responding to treatment and is interested in becoming involved can call Intercytex, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, on 0800 032 9945.

e-mail: claire.lomax@bradford.newsquest.co.uk