News

Stem Cells Derived From Skin Show Early Potential to Treat RDEB

Skin-derived stem cells producing the ABCB5 protein outperformed those derived from bone marrow at migrating toward and integrating into wounds associated with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), a study reports. These cells also show a less pro-inflammatory potential, and their ability to modify the immune response may make them…

Patient-derived Skin Graft Found to Treat RDEB in Boy, 13

A 13-year-old boy with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) had his skin lesions eased after surgeons transplanted a skin graft grown from his back, according to a case study report. The study, “A case of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa treated with a cultured epidermal autograft,” was published in…

Umbilical Cord Stem Cells Eased RDEB Symptoms

When injected into the bloodstream, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) — cells that can grow into different cell types and have potent regeneration properties — can temporarily reduce pain, skin itching and blistering, and improve the quality of life of children and adults with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa…

Rare Disease Day at NIH, Set for March 1, Growing Year by Year

Rare Disease Day at NIH, organized by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and taking place on March 1, will feature panel discussions, patient stories, research updates, TED-style talks, and a presentation by a Nobel laureate recently recognized for her work on a gene editing tool. The free, virtual…

Pandemic Won’t Stop Rare Disease Day on Feb. 28

Scores of virtual events are afoot around the world to mark Rare Disease Day 2021 on Feb. 28. The activities are focused on heightening awareness about rare diseases and the hundreds of millions of individuals they are thought to affect. Patients, caregivers, and advocates worldwide will sport denim ribbons…

Staph Infections Prevalent in EB Skin Wounds

Infection by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus is detected in most wounds of patients with epidermolysis bullosa (EB), according to an analysis of a U.S. and Canadian database. The study “Characterization of wound microbes in epidermolysis bullosa: Results from the epidermolysis bullosa clinical characterization and outcomes database” was…