News

Additional treatments following surgery for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a type of skin cancer, may prolong survival in people with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), according to a review study. “However, it is difficult to attribute extended survival to any single treatment, as multiple therapeutic modalities are often used…

Researchers have developed a framework for categorizing the severity of mutations in the COL7A1 gene that cause recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) which could eventually be used to better inform clinical care. Patients categorized as having so-called “high-impact” mutations in a recent study were found to be at an…

Dupilumab, an injection therapy approved for certain inflammatory disorders, may be an effective option to help ease itch and reduce blistering in people with different subtypes of epidermolysis bullosa (EB). That’s according to a study, “Dupilumab improves itch and blistering in different subtypes of epidermolysis bullosa,”…

The costs of an average hospital stay for a child with epidermolysis bullosa (EB) can exceed $110,000 and go above $160,000 in cases of dystrophic EB, which can be very severe. according to an analysis by researchers in the U.S. The analysis was detailed in the letter “…

Daclatasvir, an approved antiviral medicine, safely reduced the signs and symptoms of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) in a mouse model, a drug repurposing study revealed. Data showed that the antiviral, a treatment for the hepatitis C virus (HCV) sold under the brand name Daklinza, extended RDEB mouse survival…

Avicanna‘s cannabidiol (CBD) cream formulation for skin improved wound healing in 55% of children and adolescents with epidermolysis bullosa (EB) who took part in a real-world study, according to a company press release. The study, conducted at The Hospital for Sick Children, in Toronto, evaluated the tolerability…

From where it all began in Wellesley, Massachusetts, to the frigid waters of Adelaide, Australia, celebrities and other supporters globally joined in the 7th annual Plunge for Elodie, from March 10 to April 27, raising some $530,000 for epidermolysis bullosa (EB) research. This year’s proceeds — the…

An inflammatory signaling molecule called interleukin-6 (IL-6) is produced at high levels in skin wounds of people with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), a new study reports. Its findings indicate that a molecular feedback loop involving another protein called serum amyloid A (SAA) drives excessive production of IL-6 in…

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is pushing back its timeline for a decision on Abeona Therapeutics’ pz-cel (prademagene zamikeracel), saying the agency needs more time to complete its review of the cell therapy for recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, known as RDEB. A decision by the FDA on…

In children with epidermolysis bullosa (EB) with airway involvement, a new strategy using both cell and gene therapy showed promise in a new study. Specifically, the reintroduction of the LAMA3 gene that codes for part of a protein called laminin 332 restored the ability of cells to form a healthy barrier…

An inflammatory protein called interleukin (IL)-6 is found at higher levels in people with epidermolysis bullosa who have more severe disease and larger wounds, a study found, suggesting IL-6 may be used to monitor disease progression and response to treatment. The study, “IL-6 levels dominate the serum…

A man with severe, treatment-resistant epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) experienced sustained clinical remission for at least five years after rituximab therapy. Rituximab (sold in the U.S. as Rituxan and biosimilars) is an antibody that suppresses immune system activity by targeting immune B-cells — responsible for making antibodies, including…