Long-Term Therapy for EB

(Ivanhoe Newswire) – A stem celled-based treatment for epidermolysis bullosa (EB) has been shown to restore normal skin function, providing the first proof that the therapy may be a long-term treatment option.

Previous research had been unable to identify any clear long-term benefits for the condition. But researchers at the University of Modena in Italy, examined a patient who underwent the treatment in a clinical trial seven years ago, and found a small number of the skin cells had returned to normal function without any side-effects.

"This finding suggests that adult stem cells primarily regenerate the tissue in which they normally reside, with little plasticity to regenerate other tissues," lead study author Michele De Luca was quoted as saying.

For more information, contact: Mary Beth O'Leary, moleary@cell.com

SOURCE: Stem Cell Reports, December 2013