BERG Receives Partners in Progress Award for Efforts in Treating Epidermolysis Bullosa

The biopharmaceutical company BERG was honored with a Partners in Progress Award from the Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Association of America (debra of America). The award recognized BERG’s efforts in developing new therapeutic strategies for epidermolysis bullosa (EB).

“We’re honored to be recognized by debra of America for developing novel therapies for Epidermolysis Bullosa, which is a devastating disease with no viable treatments other than wound care and pain management,” Niven R. Narain, president and CEO of BERG, said in a press release.

Currently, EB has no cure or treatment approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

In May 2017, BERG started a Phase 1 clinical trial (NCT02793960) to test a topical form of the company’s drug candidate BPM31510, which could offer a new and opportune treatment for EB patients.

The trial is currently enrolling participants and is expected to end in January 2019. The study is being conducted at the University of Miami Department of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery.

“We’re very encouraged by our clinical research being conducted at the University of Miami, and are committed to delivering breakthrough therapies for EB patients,” Narain said.

BERG is a company that merges biology with technology and artificial intelligence. This makes it possible to integrate and analyze massive amounts of information regarding patients’ lifestyles, demographics, and biology, thus accelerating possible avenues to drug discovery, research, and development.

debra of America is the sole U.S. nonprofit organization to completely support EB patients. The organization provides all-inclusive assistance to the EB community by providing free programs and services. In addition, they encourage the advancement of EB knowledge through funding research for a treatment and cure. debra of America held its 19th annual benefit on Oct. 26 in New York City.

“As a father of a ten-year-old with a severe form of Epidermolysis Bullosa, and as Executive Director, I want to thank BERG for advancing necessary treatment options for the 25,000 people living in the United States with EB and the nearly 200 children born each year with the disease,” said Brett Kopelan, executive director of debra of America.

“debra of America is proud to honor BERG with our Partners in Progress Award for their pioneering approach to drug development and their commitment to improving the quality of life for EB patients and their families,” Kopelan added.