Epicel (cultured epidermal autografts)

Epicel (cultured epidermal autografts) is an aseptically processed wound dressing composed of the patient’s own (autologous) keratinocytes grown ex vivo in the presence of proliferation-arrested, murine (mouse) fibroblasts. Epicel consists of sheets of proliferative, autologous keratinocytes, ranging from 2 to 8 cell layers thick and is referred to as a cultured epidermal autograft. Each graft of Epicel is attached to petrolatum gauze backing with titanium surgical clips and measures a minimum of 50 cm2 in area.Epicel is authorized by Federal law for use in adult and pediatric patients who have deep dermal or full-thickness burns comprising a total body surface area greater than or equal to 30%. Epicel may be used in conjunction with split-thickness autografts, or alone in patients for whom split-thickness autografts may not be an option due to the severity and extent of their burns.