# Atlantic cod skin medical applications

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/atlantic-cod-skin-medical-applications
> Updated: 2026-09-02T18:44:16.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

Research and technological developments have highlighted the potential of Atlantic cod skin as a biological dressing for treating severe burns, chronic wounds, and diabetic foot ulcers.

Clinical analysis of data from 471 patients across 49 burn centers between 2019 and 2025 indicates that fish skin treatments may allow patients to be discharged an average of 12 days earlier than those using traditional materials, while reducing complication risks by 50%. The skin is noted for being rich in type 1 collagen and omega-3 fatty acids, which appear to stimulate tissue repair.

In Iceland, methods have been developed to transform cod skin—previously a byproduct of the fishing industry—into medical products. Because there are no known viral transmission pathways from cold-water cod to humans, the skin requires only gentle cleaning and freeze-drying. This process preserves the natural three-dimensional structure of the skin, offering a safer and less intensive alternative to mammalian-based tissues or traditional skin grafts.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-02: Icelandic cod skin technology offers new wound healing treatments

Icelandic scientist Fertram Sigurjonsson has developed a process to turn Atlantic cod skin into medical dressings for treating severe burns and chronic wounds.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/icelandic-cod-skin-technology-offers-new-wound-healing-treatments

### 2026-08-25: Atlantic cod skin shows promise in treating severe burns

Atlantic cod skin may revolutionize severe burn treatment, potentially reducing hospital stays by 12 days and halving complication risks compared to synthetic dressings.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/atlantic-cod-skin-shows-promise-in-treating-severe-burns

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Cite as: Atlantic cod skin medical applications. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/atlantic-cod-skin-medical-applications