Apligraf in the Treatment of Severe Mitten Deformity Associated with Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa

Gene Therapy in Patients with Epidermolysis Bullosa

“…The application of artificial skin preparations containing healthy allogenic cells might prevent rejection. However, this does not lead to permanent healing as a result of the natural replacement of foreign cells by patient cells (1). Only the patient's own cells with a proper copy of the mutated genes can lead to long-lasting improvement at the site of application.…”

Novel and emerging therapies in the treatment of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa

“…A number of biological dressings and wound grafting approaches have been used to treat intractable ulcers in RDEB (42)(43)(44)(45)(46). Autologous and allogeneic skin grafting have been developed for RDEB with some reported success, mostly in small case series or anecdotal reports.…”

“…Apligraf ® (Organogenesis, Canton, MA, USA) is an allogeneic cultured skin substitute consisting of keratinocytes and fibroblasts supported on a scaffold and was initially used in the treatment of venous ulcers. However, Apligraf ® has also been used to treat EB skin ulcers with benefit, although mainly in subtypes of EB other than RDEB (43,44).…”

From Basic Wound Healing to Modern Skin Engineering

“…In a study of nine patients with 96 sites of skin loss, 90-100% healing was observed by 5-7 days with clinically normal appearing skin in place by days 10-14. 45,46 OrCel, a composite bilayer produce with neonatal keratinocytes impregnated onto a coated nonporous sponge composed of type I bovine collagen has also been used for wound coverage after contracture release in EB patients. 47,48 The FDA has approved its use for reconstruction or treatment of recessive dystrophic EB of the hands and skin graft donor sites in these patients.…”