Larval therapy in the UK

The position of the NHS on maggot therapy is as follows:
"There are currently no maggot products licensed in the UK, however clinicians can prescribe maggot products on a case by case basis where they feel it is appropriate. An unlicenced prescription such as one for maggot therapy is the responsibility of the individual clinician.

The Department of Health is currently funding a study to establish the effectiveness of maggot therapy and the findings are expected in early 2009.

The VenUS II randomised controlled trial is investigating the effectiveness of larval therapy (maggots) in the treatment of venous leg ulcers. It is carried out to compare the clinical and cost effectiveness of larval (maggot) therapy with a hydrogel dressing in people with sloughy and/or necrotic leg ulcers.

 

Further information:

VenUS II study, Department of Health Sciences, University of York

(Including monthly bulletins, background information and progress reports)

www.venus2.co.uk/

 

NHS Online

www.nhs.uk
www.library.nhs.uk/skin/