Preclinical safety and burn wound healing activity of “Novostron”, a novel topical iodine-based therapeutic

by Nailya Ibragimova, Arailym Aitynova, Seitzhan Turganbay, Marina Lyu, Alexandr Ilin, Tamari Gapurkhaeva, Galina Ponomareva, Karina Vassilyeva, Diana Issayeva, Amirkan Azembayev, Serzhan Mombekov, Aralbek Rsaliyev, Nurgul Sikhayeva, Yergali Abduraimov, Saki Raheem

Iodine-based antiseptics are essential in wound care but are often limited by cytotoxicity, instability, and rapid iodine release. Novostron is a novel polymer–iodine complex incorporating dextrin, polyvinyl alcohol, and metal ions, designed to enable controlled iodine release. Structural integrity and composition were confirmed by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy and physicochemical analysis, indicating a molecular weight of ~9500 g/mol, a pH of 4.23, and an iodine content of 8.13%. Pharmacokinetic analysis in rabbits demonstrated that following a single dermal application, systemic iodine absorption was minimal, with peak blood iodine concentrations remaining within physiological limits and rapid elimination within 24 hours. Evaluation of thyroid function revealed no significant changes in serum T₃, T₄, or TSH levels compared with those of the controls, confirming that topical application of Novostron does not disrupt thyroid homeostasis. In compliance with OECD guidelines in rabbits, guinea pigs, and rats, Novostron showed no signs of dermal irritation, skin sensitization, or systemic toxicity (LD₅₀ > 2000 mg/kg). In a rat cotton pellet granuloma model, Novostron significantly reduced the inflammatory mass (23.65% inhibition), supporting its anti-inflammatory potential. In a murine burn model, Novostron accelerated wound contraction (25.95% at day 10), increased epidermal thickness, and enhanced collagen deposition (~44%), outperforming controls and matching or exceeding betadine. These findings suggest that Novostron promotes tissue repair by modulating inflammation. Overall, Novostron demonstrated a favourable preclinical safety and efficacy profile, and its polymer–iodine composition, which enables controlled release and localized activity highlights its potential as a promising topical therapeutic. However, the study was limited to animal models and short-term observation; further long-term and clinical investigations are needed to confirm its translational potential in human wound healing.

Retrospective analysis of the BariClip procedure: Clinical outcomes and complication profile

by Saleh Abualhaj, Anas Alyazouri, Mosleh M. Abualhaj, Lina Alshadfan, Shadi Hamouri, Obada Alaraishy, Eman Alkhawaja, Amro Mureb, Ali Aloun, Abdallah Arabyat

Background

Bariclip is an emerging non- resective bariatric device designed to restrict gastric capacity while preserving anatomical integrity. Unlike traditional sleeve gastrectomy, Bariclip implantation does not involve gastric resection, potentially minimizing surgical risk and allowing reversibility. However, data on its early efficacy and safety remain limited.

Objective

To evaluate short-term surgical outcomes, weight loss metrics, and comorbidity resolution among patients undergoing Bariclip implantation.

Methods

This retrospective observational study included 82 patients who underwent Bariclip placement at a single tertiary care center. Data were extracted from electronic medical records, operative logs, and follow-up notes. Outcomes assessed included total weight loss (TWL%) and excess weight loss (EWL%) at 2 weeks, 1, 2, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Additional variables included operative time, hospital stay, early postoperative complications (within 30 days), reintervention rates, and changes in obesity-related comorbidities.

Results

The cohort had a mean age of 37.6 ± 9.9 years, with the majority being female (76.8%) and obese (mean BMI = 36.6 ± 4.7 kg/m²). Most patients (91.5%) underwent surgery for obesity management. Postoperatively, patients reported low pain scores (mean = 5.2), with no need for opioid analgesia and early mobilization in 62.2%. Complication rates were low (3.6%). Repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant reduction in BMI over time (p  Conclusion

Bariclip surgery demonstrated favorable short-term safety and efficacy, with substantial weight loss and low complications rate observed within six months. These findings support Bariclip as a promising minimally invasive option for weight management in select patient populations.