Collagenase is the only protease that can hydrolyze the triple helical region of collagen under physiological conditions. The specific substrate collagen comprises approximately one-third of the total protein in mammalian organisms and it is the main constituent of skin, tendon, and cartilage, as well as the organic component of teeth and bone. The body relies on endogenous collagenase production to remove dead tissue and collagenase production is an essential biological mechanism, which regulates matrix remodeling and the normal turnover of tissue. The Clostridial collagenase produced by us has a broad specificity towards all types of collagen and is acknowledged as much more efficient than mammalian collagenases. Clostridial collagenase cleaves the collagen molecule at multiple sites along the triple helix whereas the mammalian collagenase is only able to cleave the molecule at a single site along the triple helix. Because collagenase does not damage the cell membrane, it is widely used for cell dispersion for tissue disassociation and cell culture. Since the main component of scar tissue is collagen, collagenase has been used in a variety of clinical investigations to remove scar tissue without surgery. Histological and biochemical studies have shown that the tissue responsible for the deformities associated with Dupuytren’s disease and Peyronie’s disease is primarily composed of collagen. The contracture associated with Dupuytren’s disease is an example of a disease that results from excessive collagen formation. Surgical removal of scar tissue has the potential to result in complications including increased scar formation. Due to the highly specific nature of the enzyme, we consider its use to be more desirable than the application of general proteolytic enzymes for the removal of unwanted tissue. Treatment with injectable collagenase for removal of excessive scar tissue represents a first in class non-invasive approach to this unmet medical need. New uses involving the therapeutic application of exogenous collagenase to supplement the body’s own natural enzymes are periodically being proposed.  

We have developed a proprietary process to produce a purified collagenase product, which is fully characterized and has shown stability for years.