Treatment of Epidermolysis Bullosa Using HELICOLL, an Advanced Bio-engineered Collagen Dressing
By Helicoll_admin / August 11, 2012
Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a genetic disorder caused by a patient’s type-VII collagen deficiency, resulting in fragile skin and numerous blisters and wounds. EB is life-threatening, particularly in infancy, where blistering primarily affects the hands and feet, leading to infections, dehydration, and other complications. Currently, there is no known cure for EB, although genetic-based treatments are under investigation, and constant dressing applications are required.
Professor Dr. Leland Winters, Clinical Director of Encoll Corporation, and David Gorsulowsky, Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Dermatology at Stanford University School of Medicine, recognized the potential of using HELICOLL Collagen Dressing on EB patients. Dr. Gorsulowsky, along with attending physician Anna Bruckner in the Stanford EB clinic, agreed to treat critical patients with HELICOLL. The purpose of their study is to confirm HELICOLL’s clinical effectiveness in promoting EB wound healing and reducing patient pain.
The exact prevalence of EB is unknown, but it is estimated to affect one in 40 thousand persons, with 15 to 20 thousand affected individuals in the USA, contributing to a market size of approximately $250M annually. There is currently no cure for EB, but ongoing genetic research may lead to breakthroughs in the future.
Today, EB treatment requires daily bandage changes, and patients with the most common form of EB can live into their 40s. HELICOLL addresses the clinical needs of EB patients by promoting wound healing and reducing pain during bandage changes. The pain associated with daily bandage changes is a significant source of anguish for patients.
HELICOLL offers an effective treatment option because it is easy to apply, can be left on for a week, and has documented pain reduction upon application. Additionally, HELICOLL is highly bioactive, promoting wound healing, and non-immunogenic. It is an ideal choice for wound dressing on EB skin wounds.
Furthermore, discussions are underway regarding participation in gene therapy EB clinical trials at Stanford University. In these trials, patient skin cells are treated with the type VII collagen gene in a retrovirus and then grafted back to the patient. An alternative proposed approach is to deliver these genetically modified cells in an Encoll’s bio-resorbable HELICOLL Dressing. For additional information, Contact: Subra Guna, President/CEO, EnColl Corp. 4576 Enterprise Street, Fremont, CA-94538 Tel. 510-396-8581