Kerecis Intact Fish-Skin Grafts Earn Cigna Coverage

Cigna, one of the largest U.S. health insurers, has included Kerecis products in its medical coverage policy for diabetic foot ulcer treatment. The policy update gives tens of millions of additional Americans access to Kerecis fish skin grafts, including the MariGen and Shield product lines.

In total, nearly 200 million people in the United States are now covered under commercial insurance plans that recognize fish-skin grafts as medically necessary for chronic wound care.

Cigna’s inclusion adds to the growing list of national and regional payers that support the clinical and economic value of intact fish skin for non-healing wounds. The coverage applies to patients whose diabetic foot ulcers have not adequately responded to conventional treatments and meet specified clinical criteria.

“Access is a critical part of improving outcomes in chronic wound care,” Kerecis Founder/CEO Fertram Sigurjonsson said. “We are pleased that Cigna recognizes the clinical value of our technology and that more patients can now benefit from regenerative fish skin as part of their treatment options.”

Kerecis develops fish skin and fatty acid products for cellular therapy, tissue regeneration, and protection. When grafted onto damaged human tissue or implanted, the patented material supports the body’s own processes to heal and regenerate. Because no disease-transfer risk exists between cold-water fish and humans, the Kerecis fish-skin is only gently processed and retains its similarity to human tissue. The gentle processing preserves the skin’s original three-dimensional structure, maintaining its inherent natural strength, complexity, and molecules (such as fatty acids).

Clinical studies show Kerecis products heal wounds faster than competitors. Kerecis is the only global manufacturer of medical devices containing intact fish-skin and is the fastest growing company in the U.S. biologics skin market. Products include SurgiBind/SuriClose, GraftGuide, MariGen, and Shield for various medical applications. Committed to the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals, Kerecis uses sustainably sourced Icelandic fish processed with renewable energy. Kerecis is a part of Coloplast, a supplier of intimate healthcare products.