China has approved the production and marketing of "artificial skin" developed by Chinese researchers, it was announced on Tuesday.

A spokesman from Shandong Greenleaf Pharmaceutical Co., said the product had been evaluated and approved by the State Drug Administration, which described it as leading the world.

The artificial skin would be used for patients with skin injuries and would help heal scalds, burns and various skin woundsl eaving little scarring, said the spokesman.

The skin is made from living marine material with the addition of a special cream.

The company has obtained a patent from the country's patent authorities.

(People's Daily June 4, 2002)