News

CRISPR Gene Editing Restores Collagen Production in Mice

Getting gene editing based on CRISPR, a kind of molecular scissors, delivered directly into cells may help restore the production of type VII collagen, the protein that’s missing in patients with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB), a mouse study found. If the findings hold in humans, they “would allow the…

Laser Therapy May Treat Symptoms in Dominant DEB: Case Report

Pulsed dye laser therapy — a treatment commonly used for skin conditions such as certain types of birthmarks and scars — resulted in fewer blisters and eased erythema (reddening of the skin) in a 19-year-old girl with dominant dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB), according to a recent case report. The…

National EB Awareness Week Emphasizes Advocacy

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…

Patient Follow-up Completed in VIITAL Trial of EB-101 for RDEB

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…

Pilot Study Will Test APR-TD011 Wound Spray for EB

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 in JEB Can Add Risk of Kidney-urinary Tract Issues

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 Gets Marketing Nod for DEB and JEB in Great Britain

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)…