Relative delivery efficiency and convenience of spray and ointment formulations of papain/urea/chlorophyllin enzymatic wound therapies.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relative delivery efficiency and user preference for spray and ointment formulations containing papain, urea, and chlorophyllin copper complex sodium (papain/urea/chlorophyllin copper complex). METHODS: Participants applied both a spray and 3 ointment formulations of papain/urea/chlorophyllin copper complex to identical wound models. The average amount of product used per application was determined by weighing the bottle or tube before the study and after completion of the study. Participants were also asked to fill out a questionnaire regarding their preferences for the two formulations. RESULTS: The amount of product used per wound application was 30% less with the spray formulation; resulting in 29% more wound applications per container. Over 80% of the study participants found the spray easier and quicker to use than the ointments. CONCLUSIONS: The spray formulation of papain/urea/chlorophyllin copper complex resulted in less product use per wound application than did 3 different ointment formulations. Participants expressed a favorable impression of practical benefits of the spray formulation including a reduced risk of wound contamination.