Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa is a rare genetic disorder that results from a mutation in the gene COL7A1.
People with the disease have blistering of the skin when subjected to mild stress.
According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers demonstrated through a phase 3 clinical trial that a gel for application, B-VEC, which contains DNA, can help repair patients’ damaged skin and stop subsequent damage.
The gel can deliver normal COL7A1 DNA primarily through the virus HSV-1.
In the trial, researchers selected 31 participants with 2 wounds on their skin that were similar in size, location and shape and treated them with placebo and B-VEC for up to 26 weeks.
The study showed that 67% of the wounds healed completely after treatment with B-VEC, compared to 22% in the placebo group.
And pain levels decreased more rapidly in the B-VEC group than in the placebo group.
Side effects mainly included itching and chills.
The treatment is currently under review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is expected to be approved in February 2023.
