Managing chronic wounds with TLC-NOSF dressings: evidence from a prospective real-life patient cohort

Chronic wounds, such as venous leg ulcers (VLUs) and diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), remain a major healthcare challenge, particularly in France, where their management is complex and resource-intensive. Technology lipido-colloid nano-oligosaccharide factor (TLC-NOSF) dressings have demonstrated the ability to modulate the wound microenvironment, inhibit excessive matrix metalloproteinase activity and accelerate healing. Despite strong evidence and national recommendations, their use in routine practice remains limited. The STARTLIFE study aimed to generate additional real-life evidence on the effectiveness of TLC-NOSF dressings in VLUs and DFUs across diverse care settings.

STARTLIFE was a prospective, multicentre, non-interventional French observational study. TLC-NOSF dressings (UrgoStart Plus Border/Pad, UrgoStart Contact, Laboratoires Urgo, France) were used according to clinical practice. The primary endpoint was complete healing within 12 weeks; secondary outcomes included wound healing progression and dressing performance.

From June 2022-July 2024, 229 VLUs and 138 DFUs were included at 53 French sites. Among patients with VLUs, 44.5% achieved complete healing after 72 days, with a median healing time of 60 days. In patients with DFUs, 36.8% achieved complete closure after 78 days, with a median healing time of 64 days. Earlier initiation of TLC-NOSF treatment was associated with better outcomes in both groups. Both patient and clinician satisfaction with comfort and efficacy were high.

The findings of the STARTLIFE study provide real-life evidence demonstrating the effectiveness, safety and high acceptability of TLC-NOSF dressings in the management of VLUs and DFUs when associated with appropriate standard of care. The diverse range of TLC-NOSF dressings supports personalised wound care and reinforces its use as a first-line intervention throughout the healing process.