News

From sharing images and information on social media, to holding fundraisers to spread the word about epidermolysis bullosa (EB), supporters are set to mark National Epidermolysis Bullosa Awareness Week Oct. 25–31. “National Epidermolysis Bullosa Awareness Week … is a time to increase awareness of EB, to promote the need for a…

Many patients with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) need the help of a caregiver at home, and this adds up to their direct costs, which are higher than the mean costs of all patients with epidermolysis bullosa, according to a study covering five countries in Europe.  On average,…

Patient follow-up has now been completed in VIITAL, a pivotal Phase 3 trial testing EB-101 in people with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), according to Abeona Therapeutics, the therapy’s developer. Top-line results from VIITAL (NCT04227106) are expected before the end of November and, if positive, will support an…

The effect of epidermolysis bullosa (EB) on oral health significantly affects the quality of life of children living with the disease, a recent study highlights. “The best way to help patients with EB and meet their demands is to improve daily oral hygiene habits and preventive measures (regular dental…

A pilot trial will investigate the effects of antimicrobial spray APR-TD011 on bacterial colonization in the wounds of people with epidermolysis bullosa (EB), the therapy’s developer, Relief Therapeutics, announced. The treatment’s active ingredient is hypochlorous acid, a chemical with strong and broad-acting antimicrobial properties. It is approved and…

Genetic defects underlying junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB) can also cause kidney-urinary tract symptoms, a case series reports. Researchers recommend that people with JEB and attending physicians be made aware of this risk and individualize diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to manage these complications. Multicenter studies are needed to make general…

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)…

Krystal Biotech’s gene therapy gel Vyjuvek (beremagene geperpavec) for dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) has been granted priority review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Priority review status is expected to shorten the review process for applications to six months from the standard 10 months. A decision…

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a type of skin cancer well known in people with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), also affects patients with other EB types, according to data from the Dutch EB registry. “The tumours might be discovered only when they are already large because of their indistinct…

Patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) had distinct blood metabolic profiles compared with healthy people, a study showed. The most significantly altered molecules were amino acids — the building blocks of proteins — most of which were at lower levels in RDEB patients and correlated with disease severity.

Self-reactive antibodies against the stress-induced heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) were higher in the blood of patients with epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA), a study found. In a corresponding mouse model, the researchers observed the autoantibodies contributed to a worse disease course, likely through the mediation of inflammatory pathways. “This…

A 36-year-old woman with epidermolysis bullosa acquisita or EBA — a non-genetic type of epidermolysis bullosa (EB) — was successfully treated with ustekinumab, an approved therapy for Crohn’s disease and other conditions, a case study reported. Although the patient also had Crohn’s, an inflammatory condition of the digestive tract,…