Andrea Lobo, PhD,  science writer—

Andrea Lobo holds a PhD in cell biology/neurosciences from the University of Coimbra-Portugal, where she studied stroke biology. As a research scientist for 19 years, Andrea participated in academic projects in multiple research fields, from stroke, gene regulation, cancer, and rare diseases. She has authored multiple research papers in peer-reviewed journals.

Articles by Andrea Lobo

Children’s Hospital Colorado set to provide Zevaskyn for RDEB

Children’s Hospital Colorado has become a qualified treatment center for Zevaskyn (prademagene zamikeracel), a cell-based gene therapy for recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB). The center announced that it is now ready to start identifying patients for treatment. The Colorado center follows the Ann & Robert H. Lurie…

Most patients report beneficial effect from Filsuvez on EB wounds

People living with epidermolysis bullosa (EB) generally reported that Filsuvez (birch triterpenes) had a beneficial effect on wound healing, according to a real-world study in Germany. The treatment helped with faster wound healing and closure, with less bleeding and inflammation. Some patients also reported a reduction in pain…

Cancer, swallowing, feeding issues more common in severe RDEB

People with severe recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) are more likely to develop disease-related complications, and at a younger age, than those with milder or more localized disease types, a U.K. study suggests. Complications include skin cancer, swallowing and feeding difficulties, with patients commonly needing procedures to improve feeding…

Abeona planning potential US launch of pz-cel to treat RDEB

Abeona Therapeutics is preparing for the potential launch of pz-cel (prademagene zamikeracel) to treat recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initiated discussions on the medication label and post-marketing requirements, according to a company press release. Last fall, the…

Surgery, compression bandage aid RDEB woman’s deformed hand

Surgical correction followed by continuous compressive bandaging effectively treated hand finger adhesion and contractures in a woman with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), according to a report. RDEB patients commonly undergo hand surgeries to improve function, and may require orthoses post-surgery to preserve results. Patients usually need several procedures.

Relief Therapeutics to get EU patent for antimicrobial spray for EB

RLF-TD011, an antimicrobial spray, will be granted European Union patent coverage for wound treatment in people with epidermolysis bullosa (EB). The Relief Therapeutics treatment contains highly pure hypochlorous acid, a chemical with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. RLF-TD011 is marketed as Nexodyn for the management of chronic and acute…

3 types of molecules found to boost collagen levels in RDEB cells

Three types of molecules were found to support the production of collagen VII (C7) in patient-derived cell models of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), according to a recent study. These compounds acted in RDEB caused by premature termination codon (PTC) mutations that produce a shorter, non-functional version of C7,…

JAK inhibitors seen to work better than dupilumab for EBP itching

Treatment with Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors — medications such as upadacitinib and baricitinib — was seen to work better than dupilumab at easing itching and skin lesions in people with epidermolysis bullosa pruriginosa (EBP) in a small real-world study. Specifically, among five patients with known itch scores receiving dupilumab,…

Rituximab treatment may be safe, effective for EBA: Review study

About three-quarters of people with epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) treated with rituximab experienced disease remission, according to a review study. Almost all patients responded to treatment. Overall, nearly 40% of rituximab-treated patients experienced relapses — when symptoms return after a period of improvement — over almost two…

Mix of treatments may aid survival in RDEB patients with skin cancer

Additional treatments following surgery for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a type of skin cancer, may prolong survival in people with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), according to a review study. “However, it is difficult to attribute extended survival to any single treatment, as multiple therapeutic modalities are often used…