Medihoney (Comvita / Derma Sciences) and Activon (Advancis Medical) are the two market-leading sterile medical honey ranges in the UK, EU and US. Both are CE-marked / FDA-cleared Class IIb medical devices using gamma-irradiated Leptospermum (Manuka) honey. This page is an independent reference — we don't sell either brand.
At-a-glance comparison
| Attribute | Medihoney | Activon |
|---|---|---|
| Honey source | Leptospermum (Manuka), Australia/NZ | 100% Manuka (Leptospermum scoparium), New Zealand |
| Active marker | High MGO Leptospermum honey | Non-Peroxide Activity (NPA) ≥10, MGO disclosed per batch |
| Sterilisation | Gamma irradiation (25 kGy typical) | Gamma irradiation (25 kGy typical) |
| Regulatory class | CE-marked / FDA 510(k) cleared Class IIb medical device | CE-marked Class IIb medical device |
| Primary formats | Gel / paste, HCS sheet, Apinate alginate, tulle | Tube (100% honey), Tulle, Algivon (alginate) |
| Typical indications | Sloughy / necrotic / infected wounds, burns, DFUs, pressure injuries | Sloughy / necrotic / malodorous wounds, DFUs, leg ulcers, surgical wounds |
| Manufacturer | Comvita / Derma Sciences (Integra LifeSciences) | Advancis Medical (UK) |
| NHS Drug Tariff | Listed (UK) | Listed (UK) |
Honey source and active marker
Both ranges rely on Leptospermum (Manuka) honey because of its stable, non-peroxide antibacterial activity driven by methylglyoxal (MGO). Activon publishes batch-level Non-Peroxide Activity (NPA) with a minimum threshold of NPA 10 (≈ MGO 263 mg/kg). Medihoney uses Leptospermum honey selected for high MGO, with gel/paste formats reinforced by sodium alginate for viscosity and exudate control. The chemistry of MGO is covered on our science page.
Sterilisation
Both products are terminally sterilised by gamma irradiation, typically at 25 kGy. Gamma at this dose inactivates Clostridium botulinum spores (the reason food-grade honey is not safe on open wounds) without measurably degrading MGO content — see our MGO gamma stability article.
Formats and clinical fit
- Dry / low-exudate wounds: Medihoney gel/paste or Activon Tube (100% honey) — both deliver honey directly to the wound bed.
- Sloughy / necrotic wounds: Both ranges' tulle dressings (Activon Tulle, Medihoney Tulle) are first-line; alginate variants (Algivon, Apinate) handle higher exudate.
- Cavity wounds: Medihoney HCS sheet or Activon Tube with packing.
- Diabetic foot ulcers: Both are used routinely — see our DFU patient guide.
Regulatory status
Both ranges hold CE marking as Class IIb medical devices under the EU MDR and are listed on the UK NHS Drug Tariff. Medihoney also holds FDA 510(k) clearance for wound and burn management in the US. Neither is a cosmetic, food, or supplement; food-grade Manuka honey — regardless of UMF/MGO rating — is not a substitute.
So which is better?
For the wound types either product is indicated for, there is no published head-to-head trial showing a clinically meaningful difference in healing outcomes. The choice is normally driven by:
- Format availability for the wound type (cavity, flat, exuding, dry)
- Local formulary and procurement contracts
- Clinician familiarity and patient tolerance (stinging on first application)
Frequently asked questions
Is Medihoney or Activon stronger?
Both use sterile, gamma-irradiated Leptospermum (Manuka) honey. Activon publishes its honey as 100% Manuka with a typical Non-Peroxide Activity (NPA) ≥10. Medihoney uses Leptospermum honey selected for high MGO; gel formats are typically reinforced with alginate. In practice both products meet the antibacterial threshold required for wound care; format and exudate management usually drive the choice more than raw potency.
Are Medihoney and Activon regulated medical devices?
Yes. Both are CE-marked / FDA-cleared Class IIb medical devices intended for wound management. Food-grade Manuka honey, even at high UMF/MGO, is not a medical device and should not be used as a substitute on open wounds.
What's the difference in format?
Activon is sold as a tube (100% honey), Tulle (honey-impregnated knitted viscose) and Algivon (honey + calcium alginate). Medihoney is sold as a paste/gel, HCS (hydrogel-colloidal sheet), Apinate (alginate) and tulle. Both ranges cover dry-to-wet and lightly-to-heavily exuding wounds.
Which one should my nurse choose?
That depends on wound type, exudate level, location and contracting arrangements — not on brand preference. Both meet the same regulatory standard. Your tissue-viability team will pick the format that matches your wound.
Related guides
- Medical honey: a plain-English patient guide
- Manuka honey vs medical grade honey
- How to use a medical honey dressing
- Where to buy medical grade honey