Marisa Wexler, MS, senior science writer —

Scientists have devised a new, more efficient method to create gene-edited stem cell therapies for dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB). “Solving critical bottlenecks, we refine a practical and simplified … protocol for the generation of genetically corrected … skin grafts … for the long-term healing of DEB patient wounds,” the…

Both bone marrow transplant and treatment with stem cells derived from bone marrow may help ease symptoms in some people with epidermolysis bullosa (EB), although a bone marrow transplant carries substantial greater safety risks. That’s according to the review study “Bone marrow transplantation and bone marrow-derived…

Dupilumab, an injection therapy approved for certain inflammatory disorders, may be an effective option to help ease itch and reduce blistering in people with different subtypes of epidermolysis bullosa (EB). That’s according to a study, “Dupilumab improves itch and blistering in different subtypes of epidermolysis bullosa,”…

An inflammatory signaling molecule called interleukin-6 (IL-6) is produced at high levels in skin wounds of people with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), a new study reports. Its findings indicate that a molecular feedback loop involving another protein called serum amyloid A (SAA) drives excessive production of IL-6 in…

Abeona Therapeutics said its gene-corrected cell therapy, called pz-cel (prademagene zamikeracel), for recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), is on track for a May 25 decision from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the company is addressing concerns raised during a plant inspection. The FDA conducted a…

Almirall has licensed rights to develop and commercialize ZKN-013, an experimental oral treatment for recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) and junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB). As part of the deal, Almirall is making an up-front payment of $3 million to ZKN-013’s original developer Eloxx Pharmaceuticals. Eloxx…

The gene therapy beremagene geperpavec (B-VEC), applied directly as eye drops, improved the vision in a boy with eye scarring related to recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB), according to a case report. “Our data support further investigation of B-VEC in the care of patients with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa with…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s review of pz-cel (prademagene zamikeracel), a gene-corrected cell therapy for recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), is progressing on schedule. The therapy’s developer Abeona Therapeutics announced it had conducted a biologics license application (BLA) mid-cycle meeting with the FDA and the agency…

Treatment with baricitinib or upadacitinib, two approved medications for rheumatoid arthritis, may be effective for relieving itching in some people with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB). That’s according to a small study from Korea in which these medicines were found to reduce patient-rated itch severity scores — in some, by…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Filsuvez (birch triterpenes) to treat skin wounds in patients with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) or junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB) ages 6 months or older. The announcement makes Filsuvez the first FDA-approved therapy for JEB, according to Chiesi Global…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted priority review to an application seeking approval of pz-cel (prademagene zamikeracel) — a cell therapy previously known as EB-101 — for people with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB). Granting priority review shortens the time it will take the agency to…

EB Research Partnership (EBRP), an organization dedicated to funding research into treatments for epidermolysis bullosa (EB), has raised more than $5 million through a three-day series of events in October. The outcome is “beyond what we could have ever imagined,” Michael Hund, CEO of EBRP, said in a…