News

In the absence of collagen 7, the protein missing in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) patients, the protein thrombospondin-1 (TSP1) plays a key role in the development of fibrosis, or scarred tissue. This newly discovered mechanism suggests TSP1 as a potential therapeutic target for RDEB patients. The study, “Thrombospondin-1 is a major…

A specific class of T cells – called Th17 cells — may drive inflammation in patients with epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS) generalized severe, and targeting these inflammatory pathways might lessen blistering in these patients. The study, “Epidermolysis bullosa simplex generalized severe induces a T helper 17 response and…

Scores of events are afoot worldwide to mark Feb. 28, Rare Disease Day 2019. The activities aim to raise awareness about rare diseases and the millions of people — estimates run as high as 350 million — they are thought to impact. Across countries, patients, caregivers and advocates will paint faces, wear…

The case report of a patient with epidermolysis bullosa acquisita who developed steroid-induced diabetes underscores the importance of counseling patients about possible medication side effects and ensuring close follow-up during treatment. The study, “Steroid-induced Diabetes Complicating Treatment of Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita: A Preventable Treatment Complication Stresses the Importance…

Oral use of cannabinoids — derivatives of cannabis — could help manage pain and the urge to scratch in epidermolysis bullosa (EB) patients, according to a study that evaluated three case reports. The study, “Combined tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol to treat pain in epidermolysis bullosa: a report of three…

Next-generation sequencing ­­­­— a technique that reads DNA sequences much faster and cheaper than standard approaches ­­­­— successfully identified a novel mutation in the LAMB3 gene in a newborn with junctional epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a case study reports. The study, “Targeted next-generation sequencing identifies a novel mutation of LAMB3 in…

A provisional diagnosis based on clinical information is more accurate than imaging of skin biopsies in newborns and infants with inherited epidermolysis bullosa (EB), according to a new study. The research, “A retrospective cohort study evaluating the accuracy of clinical diagnosis compared to immunofluorescence and electron…

The case report of a patient with severe epidermolysis bullosa underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach involving skin protection, care of the wounds, nutritional support, and medical intervention. The study, “A case of a patient with severe epidermolysis bullosa surviving to adulthood,” was published in the …

Increased levels of a protein called decorin extended survival, reduced skin fibrosis (scarring) and delayed the development of paw deformities and other key recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) manifestations in a mouse model. The study, “Decorin counteracts disease progression in mice with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa,”…

Krystal Biotech has completed the construction of its new manufacturing facility Ancoris, which will support the clinical and commercial development of KB103, its lead product candidate for the treatment of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB). Ancoris was designed to meet all projected commercial demands of KB103. Located near…

After an interim analysis of a Phase 3 trial testing Amryt Pharma’s investigational therapy AP101 in epidermolysis bullosa (EB) patients, an independent data monitoring committee (IDMC) has recommended the trial’s continuation, along with an increase in participants. The enrollment of 48 additional patients, up to a total of 230, is…

King’s College London researchers created a new type of dressing glove for those with epidermolysis bullosa (EB), based on patients’ feedback. The glove was designed to adapt to patients’ hands, keeping fingers separated, facilitating wound dressing and improving their quality of life. The findings of the study, “Iterative codesign and…