News

The commonly used antibiotic gentamicin (brand name Garamycin) can reverse the effects of about 80% of genetic mutations affecting the LAMB3 gene that cause Herlitz junctional epidermolysis bullosa (H-JEB), according to researchers. This finding was reported in the study, “Gentamicin induces LAMB3 nonsense mutation readthrough and restores…

A gel made from platelets — tiny blood cells involved in blood clotting — collected from umbilical cord blood showed positive results for the topical treatment of patients with epidermolysis bullosa (EB), according to a pilot study. Results of the study, “Cord blood platelet gel for the treatment…

The 2018 Debra Care Conference — a U.S. gathering of epidermolysis bullosa (EB) patients, families, disease advocates, and experts — gets underway this Sunday in suburban Phoenix. The biennial event, organized by the Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Association of America (Debra), takes place July 22-25 at the Sheraton Grand at…

An enzyme called granzyme B (GzmB) may be a key mediator of blistering in patients with epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) and other autoimmune skin disorders, according to a Canadian study. These findings suggest that a single treatment strategy could be developed for different conditions. The research, “…

A case report shows that epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA), a rare form of epidermolysis bullosa that usually occurs in adulthood, can appear at earlier ages, even during adolescence. The study highlights the importance of considering EBA when diagnosing younger patients with suspicious clinical findings.

A Phase 1/2 clinical trial assessing investigational QR-313 as a treatment for dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) has begun and is now enrolling participants, ProQR Therapeutics recently announced. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled WINGS trial is recruiting up to eight participants with recessive DEB — a more severe form of the disease —…

Castle Creek Pharmaceuticals recently enrolled its first patient in a Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating the pharmacokinetics (how the drug is processed in the body) and safety of a new formulation of diacerein 1% ointment (CCP-020) in patients with epidermolysis bullosa (EB). The study (NCT03472287) is…

Two new potentially damaging mutations were identified in a family with epidermolysis bullosa pruriginosa (EBP), a rare type of epidermolysis bullosa characterized by severe itching of the skin, or pruritus, according to a case study. The mutations were found in the COL7A1 gene that gives rise to type VII…

Allogeneic fibroblast injections are an effective and safe treatment strategy for non-healing wounds in patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), new research from Russia shows. The study, “Allogeneic fibroblast cell therapy in the treatment of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa,” was published in the journal…

ProQR Therapeutics is partnering with the nonprofit organizations EB Research Partnership (EBRP) and EB Medical Research Foundation (EBMRF) to develop QR-313, a treatment candidate for dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB), one of the major forms of EB, is caused by alterations in the COL7A1…

Menlo Therapeutics’ investigative therapy serlopitant seems to effectively reduce itch in patients with epidermolysis bullosa, according to results from a small exploratory Phase 2 trial. The trial results were presented by researchers from the dermatology department at Stanford University School of Medicine at the International Investigative Dermatology 2018…

Abeona Therapeutics announced the opening of the Elisa Linton Center for Rare Disease Therapies, a commercial manufacturing facility to support the development of its gene and cell therapy candidates targeting rare diseases like recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB). Based in Cleveland, Ohio, the GMP facility will be able to manufacture…