Marisa Wexler, MS, senior science writer —

Marisa holds a Master of Science in cellular and molecular pathology from the University of Pittsburgh, where she studied novel genetic drivers of ovarian cancer. Her areas of expertise include cancer biology, immunology, and genetics, and she has worked as a science writing and communications intern for the Genetics Society of America.

Articles by Marisa Wexler

Skin stem cell therapy helped prevent new wounds in RDEB

People with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) developed fewer new wounds after getting treatment with skin-derived mesenchymal stem cells, a new clinical trial analysis shows. The treatment also led to newly developed wounds healing more quickly, and healed wounds more frequently remained closed. The study, “Kinetics of…

Novel mutation in KRT14 gene caused EBS in father, son

A never-before-reported mutation in the KRT14 gene caused epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS) in a family in China. The new mutation was described in the case report, “Large intragenic deletion of KRT14 causes autosomal-dominant epidermolysis bullosa simplex with generalized hyperpigmentation,” published in the Journal of Dermatological Science.

Companies team up to ID biomarkers for cancer treatment in RDEB

Onconova Therapeutics and Pangea Biomed are teaming up to identify biomarkers that can help predict a response to the experimental cancer therapy rigosertib in people with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB). Multiple clinical trials are underway to test rigosertib — developed by Onconova — as a potential treatment…

30+ conditions more common in EBA patients ID’d in study

People with epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) are at a higher risk of developing other autoimmune disorders, certain types of cancers, and heart diseases, a study suggests. The findings also indicate that other autoimmune diseases as well as some infections may be risk factors for EBA. The study, “…

Tofacitinib treatment eases man’s EB acquisita symptoms

Tofacitinib, a therapy approved for certain inflammatory diseases effectively controlled symptoms of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) in a man with the disease. The case was described as a letter to the editor titled “Treatment of Recurrent Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita With Tofacitinib” in JAMA Dermatology. EBA is a…

Filsuvez Gets Marketing Nod for DEB and JEB in Great Britain

Filsuvez (Oleogel-S10) has been approved in Great Britain — England, Scotland and Wales — for treating wounds associated with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) or junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB) in patients ages 6 months and older. In addition to granting marketing authorization, Britain’s Medical Healthcare and Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)…

Filsuvez Significantly Reduces Wounds After 15 Months in Trial

People with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) saw the total surface of their wounds significantly reduced after being treated with Filsuvez (Oleogel-S10) for more than a year, new data from the EASE clinical trial show. After 15 months, these patients experienced sustained reductions of 53%, on average, in wound…

Complex Surgical Management of Skin Tumors Noted in Study

Skin tumors called cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCCs) are common in people with certain types of epidermolysis bullosa (EB), and their surgical management is often complex, a study highlights. Its researchers noted that regular monitoring to enable early diagnosis is key to proper management of these tumors. “Our…