Smith+Nephew launches next-generation ALLEVYN™ COMPLETE CARE Foam Dressing - designed for high performance in wound management and pressure injury prevention

Rhea-AI Summary

Smith+Nephew (NYSE:SNN) launched ALLEVYN COMPLETE CARE Foam Dressing on March 10, 2026, a five‑layer dressing designed for wound management and pressure injury prevention. It claims >99% bacterial exclusion, up to 93% mechanical energy absorption, >65% pressure‑injury risk reduction, longer wear times, and staged international rollout beginning in the US with wider European availability in 2026.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Positive

• Five‑layer construction designed for combined wound management and pressure injury prevention
• Claims to keep over 99% of bacteria away from the wound bed (in‑vitro testing)
• Unbonded sliding layers absorb up to 93% of mechanical energy, supporting pressure‑injury protection
• Modeled reductions of pressure‑injury risk by over 65% and potential nursing time release of ~10.8%

Negative

• Key performance claims rely heavily on in‑vitro, internal reports and modelling rather than large independent randomized controlled trials
• Initial availability is limited to the US with broader European and international launches only planned during 2026

News Market Reaction – SNN

-2.96%

1 alert

-2.96% News Effect

On the day this news was published, SNN declined 2.96%, reflecting a moderate negative market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Chronic wound prevalence: 1 in 50 adults Pressure injury prevalence: 1 in 10 patients Extra hospital stay: 9.5 days +5 more

8 metrics

Chronic wound prevalence 1 in 50 adults Global estimate of adults affected by chronic wounds

Pressure injury prevalence 1 in 10 patients Hospitalised patients affected by pressure injuries

Extra hospital stay 9.5 days Average additional days linked to hospital-acquired pressure injuries

Bacteria exclusion Over 99% Bacteria kept away from wound bed in vitro

Nurse time released 10.8% Potential nursing time released using ALLEVYN 5-layer dressings

Nurse time baseline 4,011,188,929 hours Annual global community hours spent on dressing changes

Mechanical energy absorbed Up to 93% Mechanical energy absorbed by unbonded sliding layers

Pressure injury risk reduction Over 65% Risk reduction using ALLEVYN 5-layer dressings; n=359

Market Reality Check

Price: $29.54 Vol: Volume 794,913 vs 20-day ...

normal vol

$29.54 Last Close

Volume Volume 794,913 vs 20-day average 915,539 (relative volume 0.87x). normal

Technical Trading slightly above 200-day MA at 34.08 vs 33.74.

Peers on Argus

SNN was down 0.67% while key peers like PHG (+2.8%), PODD (+2.39%) and PEN (+0.4...

SNN was down 0.67% while key peers like PHG (+2.8%), PODD (+2.39%) and PEN (+0.43%) traded higher, suggesting a stock-specific move rather than a sector-wide reaction.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Mar 03 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Mar 03	Conference showcase	Positive	+2.8%	AAOS 2026 showcase of CORI robotics and trauma technologies.
Mar 02	Product portfolio update	Positive	-3.1%	Rotator cuff portfolio focus including Tendon Seam and REGENETEN.
Feb 24	Distribution agreement	Positive	-0.6%	Exclusive US distribution deal for A’TOMIC nitinol fixation system.
Feb 23	Distribution agreement	Positive	-0.6%	US distribution agreement for SI-BONE iFuse TORQ trauma solutions.
Jan 21	Acquisition completed	Positive	+1.9%	Completion of Integrity Orthopaedics acquisition adding Tendon Seam system.

Pattern Detected

Recent company news has been mostly positive but share reactions have been mixed, with more frequent short-term declines even on constructive business updates.

Recent Company History

Over recent months, Smith+Nephew has focused on expanding its orthopaedics and sports medicine portfolios and deepening US distribution. Deals with RMR Ortho and SI-BONE added fixation and pelvic fracture options, while the Integrity Orthopaedics acquisition strengthened shoulder repair with Tendon Seam™ alongside REGENETEN. AAOS 2026 features robotics, trauma and rotator cuff innovations. Price reactions to these typically positive updates have alternated between gains and pullbacks, showing no consistent pattern of how such news has been absorbed by the market.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement highlights the launch of ALLEVYN COMPLETE CARE, a five-layer foam dressing aimed a...

Analysis

This announcement highlights the launch of ALLEVYN COMPLETE CARE, a five-layer foam dressing aimed at both wound management and pressure injury prevention. The product claims to lock in more exudate, keep over 99% of bacteria from the wound bed, absorb up to 93% of mechanical energy and reduce pressure injury risk by over 65%. In context of Smith+Nephew’s recent acquisitions and distribution deals, this expands its advanced wound care platform. Key factors to watch include adoption rates, real-world outcomes, and geographic roll-out through 2026.

Key Terms

finite element modelling (fem), systematic review and meta-analysis, randomized controlled trials, polyurethane foam

4 terms

finite element modelling (fem) technical

"Finite Element Modelling (FEM) of ALLEVYN COMPLETE CARE Dressing as a prophylactic"

Finite element modelling (FEM) is a computer-based technique that breaks a complex object or system into many small, connected pieces to simulate how it will behave under forces, heat, vibration or other conditions. For investors, FEM matters because it helps companies predict product performance, identify design flaws, reduce costly prototypes, and shorten development time—factors that can lower manufacturing risk, cut costs, and speed time to market.

systematic review and meta-analysis medical

"Pressure Injury Prevention with A Unique Multi-Layer Foam Dressing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis"

A systematic review and meta-analysis gathers all credible studies on a specific clinical or scientific question, checks their quality, and then pools the numerical results to produce a single best estimate of the effect. For investors, this provides a clearer, more reliable picture of whether a medicine, device, or strategy actually works and how large the benefit or risk is—think of it as averaging many product reviews after removing poor-quality or irrelevant ones.

randomized controlled trials medical

"A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. May 1–3, 2024"

Randomized controlled trials are studies where participants are randomly assigned to receive either a new treatment or a comparison (such as a standard treatment or placebo), so outcomes can be fairly compared like flipping a coin to decide teams. For investors, they matter because they provide the most reliable evidence about whether a drug, device or intervention actually works and is safe, which influences regulatory approval, market demand and the financial outlook of companies developing them.

polyurethane foam medical

"Clinical and Economic Impact of Wound Care Using a Polyurethane Foam Multilayer Dressing."

A lightweight, spongy material made by chemically forming a porous, flexible solid that feels like a dense sponge; it’s widely used for cushions, mattresses, packaging, insulation and car parts. Investors watch polyurethane foam because its cost, availability and performance influence margins and product appeal across construction, automotive and consumer-goods makers — like a key ingredient in a recipe whose price or shortage can change the final product’s value.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Smith+Nephew (LSE:SN, NYSE:SNN), the global medical technology company, recently announced the launch of ALLEVYN^♢ COMPLETE CARE Foam Dressing, featuring proprietary technologies and performance backed by a portfolio of strong scientific data and clinical evidence.

ALLEVYN COMPLETE CARE Dressing has a unique five-layer construction with distinct mode of action technologies targeted towards both wound management and pressure injury prevention. Minimising leakage^1-4 and disruption by fewer dressing changes^5-7, and protecting vulnerable skin^8-10 are essential to achieving this goal.

Global estimates suggest that up to one in 50 adults are affected by chronic wounds in their lifetime, facing delayed healing and complications that impact daily life¹¹. Studies report up to one in 10 hospitalised patients are affected by pressure injuries¹², with hospital-acquired pressure injuries associated with an average of 9.5 additional days of hospital stay¹³. Pressure injuries and chronic wounds continue to place a significant burden on the broader healthcare system.

Rohit Kashyap, President of Advanced Wound Management at Smith+Nephew, said “ALLEVYN COMPLETE CARE is a true next-generation dressing that reflects our continued commitment to wound care innovation, delivering meaningful benefit where it matters most. Every dressing is designed for strong performance in both wound treatment and pressure injury prevention, helping patients get back to what they love, whilst reducing the costly and complex clinical burden.”

ALLEVYN COMPLETE CARE Dressing’s proprietary technologies have advanced capabilities that are designed to help clinicians care with confidence. The dressing was developed to address the needs of both wound management and pressure injury prevention, informed by collaboration with healthcare professionals and patients worldwide.

It is proven to lock in significantly more exudate than other foam dressings¹⁴* while keeping over 99% of bacteria away from the wound bed^15†. This minimises leakage¹⁶*, enables longer wear times^17,18‡ for undisturbed healing, and has potential to release over 10% of valuable nursing time^19§.

Unbonded sliding layers within the dressing absorb up to 93% of mechanical energy^20†, helping to reduce the risk of pressure injury by over 65%^21-23¶.

Amit Gefen, Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Tel Aviv University, Israel, explains how ALLEVYN COMPLETE CARE Dressing’s advanced biomechanical performance was intentionally designed to benefit patients.

“ALLEVYN COMPLETE CARE Dressing’s unbonded multilayer structure delivers a distinct mode of action that helps dissipate shear forces before they reach the skin and underlying soft tissues. This pioneering technology protects soft tissue and minimises the risk of developing a pressure injury.”^24,25#

ALLEVYN COMPLETE CARE Dressing is available in five different shapes and a variety of sizes to meet a diverse range of wound care needs. Initially available in the US, the dressing will be launching in many European and other international markets in 2026 as we continue to support patients’ unique needs, and shape what’s possible in wound care.

To learn more about ALLEVYN COMPLETE CARE Dressing, please click here.

* As demonstrated in-vitro; p<0.001

† Tested in-vitro

‡ ALLEVYN 5-layer dressings; compared to previous foam dressings

§ The data set used to create the 3.5 billion hour model revealed that globally, 4,011,188,929 hours is spent on dressing changes in the community per year, ALLEVYN 5-layer dressings as part of a shared wound care approach have the potential to release 10.8% (433,208,404) of these hours.

¶ ALLEVYN 5-layer dressings; reduction of per-patient cost of 37-69%; compared with using standard preventive care alone; n=359

# As demonstrated in Finite Element Modelling (FEM) model of the heel.

References

1. Smith+Nephew 2025. Bacterial absorbance, sequestration & retention testing of ALLEVYN COMPLETE CARE. Internal report: CSD.AWM.25.019 V2.
2. Smith+Nephew 2025. Free swell Absorbency and Retention after Compression Testing of ALLEVYN COMPLETE CARE Dressing. Internal report: CSD.AWM.25.008.
3. Tiscar-González V, Menor-Rodríguez MJ, Rabadán-Sainz C, et al. Clinical and Economic Impact of Wound Care Using a Polyurethane Foam Multilayer Dressing. Adv Skin Wound Care. 2021;34(1):23-30.
4. Rossington A, Drysdale, K, and Winter R. Clinical performance and positive impact on patient wellbeing of ALLEVYN Life. Wounds UK. 2013;9(4):91-95.
5. Smith+Nephew 2025. Change Indicator Usability of ALLEVYN COMPLETE CARE. Internal report: CSD.AWM.25.023 V2.
6. Costa B, Allen D. Results from an international survey: foam dressings with WTCI may enhance clinician confidence to extend wear times compared with other foam dressings. Poster presented at: the 33rd conference of the EWMA; May 3‒5, 2023; Milan, Italy.
7. Hurd T, Allen D, Saunders C. Reduced weekly dressing changes with a five-layer foam dressing compared with other previously used dressings in wounds of mixed aetiology: results of a systematic literature review and meta‒analysis of clinical studies. Poster presented at: the 33rd conference of the EWMA; May 3‒5, 2023; Milan, Italy.
8. Smith+Nephew 2024. Comparison of Frictional Energy Absorber Effectiveness (FEAE) in two five-layer hydrocellular polyurethane foam dressings (HPFD) containing superabsorber and masking layers. Internal report: CSD.AWM.24.057 V2.
9. Smith+Nephew 2024. Finite Element Modelling (FEM) of ALLEVYN COMPLETE CARE Dressing as a prophylactic dressing used to protect the posterior heel. Internal report: CSD.AWM.24.058 V2.
10. Atkinson L, Costa B. Poster presented at: European Wound Management Association (EWMA);Pressure Injury Prevention with A Unique Multi-Layer Foam Dressing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled trials. May 1–3, 2024; London, UK (NB: PIP meta-analysis)
11. Atkin L. Clinical inertia in chronic wound care, Wounds International. 2025; 16 (1): 48 - 51.
12. Li Z, Lin F, Thalib L, Chaboyer W. Global prevalence and incidence of pressure injuries in hospitalised adult patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Nurs Stud. 2020;105:103546.
13. Wassel CL, Delhougne G, Gayle JA, Dreyfus J, Larson B. Risk of readmissions, mortality, and hospital-acquired conditions across hospital-acquired pressure injury (HAPI) stages in a US National Hospital Discharge database. Int Wound J. 2020;17(6):1924–1934.
14. Smith+Nephew 2025. Internal report: CSD.AWM.25.042 V2.
15. Smith+Nephew 2025. Bacterial absorbance, sequestration & retention testing of ALLEVYN^◊ COMPLETE CARE Dressing. Internal report: CSD.AWM.25.019 V2.
16. Smith+Nephew 2024. Internal report: CSD.AWM.24.057 V2
17. Atkinson L, Allen D, Costa B. Poster presented at: European Wound Management Association (EWMA); May 1–3, 2024; London, UK. (NB: EM meta-analysis)
18. Costa B, Allen D. Poster presented at: European Wound Management Association (EWMA); May 3–5, 2023; Milan, Italy.
19. Moore Z, Loney A, Probst S, et al. 3.5 billion hours of nurse time released by 2030: Potential efficiency gains from shared care and long-wear advanced foam dressings. Wounds International. 2022;13(2):10–16.
20. Orlova D, Orlov A, Gefen A. The Protective Efficacy of a New Soft Silicone Multi-Layer Dressing in Reducing the Heel Pressure Ulcer Risk. International Wound Journal. 2025;22(10):e70764.
21. Atkinson L, Costa B. Pressure Injury Prevention with A Unique Multi-Layer Foam Dressing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Poster presented at the 34th European Wound Management Association Annual Meeting, May 1-3, 2024, London, UK.
22. Marché C, Creehan S, Gefen A. The frictional energy absorber effectiveness and its impact on the pressure ulcer prevention performance of multilayer dressings. Int Wound J. 2024 Apr;21(4):e14871.
23. Forni C, Searle R. A multilayer polyurethane foam dressing for pressure ulcer prevention in older hip fracture patients: an economic evaluation. J Wound Care. 2020 Feb 2;29(2):120-127.
24. Smith+Nephew 2024. Comparison of Frictional Energy Absorber Effectiveness (FEAE) in two five-layer hydrocellular polyurethane foam dressings (HPFD) containing superabsorber and masking layers. Internal report: CSD.AWM.24.057 V2.
25. Smith+Nephew 2024. Finite Element Modelling (FEM) of ALLEVYN COMPLETE CARE Dressing as a prophylactic dressing used to protect the posterior heel. Internal report: CSD.AWM.24.058 V2.

Enquiries

Frida Wilhelmsson        +46 (738) 499 429
Smith+Nephew            frida.wilhelmsson@smith-nephew.com

About Smith+Nephew

Smith+Nephew is a portfolio medical technology business focused on the repair, regeneration and replacement of soft and hard tissue. We exist to restore people’s bodies and their self-belief by using technology to take the limits off living. We call this purpose ‘Life Unlimited’. Our 17,000 employees deliver this mission every day, making a difference to patients’ lives through the excellence of our product portfolio, and the invention and application of new technologies across our three global business units of Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine & ENT and Advanced Wound Management.

Founded in Hull, UK, in 1856, we now operate in around 100 countries, and generated annual sales of $6.2 billion in 2025. Smith+Nephew is a constituent of the FTSE100 (LSE:SN, NYSE:SNN). The terms ‘Group’ and ‘Smith+Nephew’ are used to refer to Smith & Nephew plc and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context requires otherwise.

For more information about Smith+Nephew, please visit www.smith-nephew.com and follow us on X, LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook.

Forward-looking Statements

This document may contain forward-looking statements that may or may not prove accurate. For example, statements regarding expected revenue growth and trading profit margins, market trends and our product pipeline are forward-looking statements. Phrases such as "aim", "plan", "intend", "anticipate", "well-placed", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target", "consider" and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from what is expressed or implied by the statements. For Smith+Nephew, these factors include: conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, economic and financial conditions in the markets we serve, especially those affecting healthcare providers, payers and customers; price levels for established and innovative medical devices; developments in medical technology; regulatory approvals, reimbursement decisions or other government actions; product defects or recalls or other problems with quality management systems or failure to comply with related regulations; litigation relating to patent or other claims; legal and financial compliance risks and related investigative, remedial or enforcement actions; disruption to our supply chain or operations or those of our suppliers; competition for qualified personnel; strategic actions, including acquisitions and disposals, our success in performing due diligence, valuing and integrating acquired businesses; disruption that may result from transactions or other changes we make in our business plans or organisation to adapt to market developments; relationships with healthcare professionals; reliance on information technology and cybersecurity; disruptions due to natural disasters, weather and climate change related events; changes in customer and other stakeholder sustainability expectations; changes in taxation regulations; effects of foreign exchange volatility; and numerous other matters that affect us or our markets, including those of a political, economic, business, competitive or reputational nature. Please refer to the documents that Smith+Nephew has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including Smith+Nephew's most recent annual report on Form 20-F, which is available on the SEC’s website at www. sec.gov, for a discussion of certain of these factors. Any forward-looking statement is based on information available to Smith+Nephew as of the date of the statement. All written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to Smith+Nephew are qualified by this caution. Smith+Nephew does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect any change in circumstances or in Smith+Nephew's expectations.

◊ Trademark of Smith+Nephew. Certain marks registered in US Patent and Trademark Office.

FAQ

What is ALLEVYN COMPLETE CARE from Smith+Nephew (SNN) and when did it launch?

ALLEVYN COMPLETE CARE is a five‑layer foam dressing for wound care and pressure injury prevention, launched March 10, 2026. According to the company, it combines proprietary layers to manage exudate, reduce shear and extend wear times for clinical use.

How does ALLEVYN COMPLETE CARE (SNN) claim to reduce pressure injury risk?

The dressing uses unbonded sliding layers that absorb mechanical energy, helping reduce pressure‑injury risk by over 65%. According to the company, finite element modelling and comparative tests support its biomechanical protective performance.

What clinical and laboratory evidence supports ALLEVYN COMPLETE CARE (SNN)?

Evidence includes in‑vitro bacterial sequestration tests, internal absorbency reports, FEM modelling and published meta‑analyses referenced by the company. According to the company, some findings derive from internal reports and conference posters rather than solely from large independent RCTs.

Will ALLEVYN COMPLETE CARE (SNN) be available worldwide in 2026?

The product is initially available in the US with launches planned in many European and other international markets in 2026. According to the company, wider market introductions will follow as regulatory and distribution steps complete.

What are the expected caregiver and workflow impacts of ALLEVYN COMPLETE CARE (SNN)?

Smith+Nephew says longer wear times could reduce dressing changes and free nursing time, with a modeled potential release of about 10.8% of community dressing‑change hours. According to the company, this is based on a global hours model and product wear data.