Researchers discover that repurposing FDA-approved drugs, including antivirals, may be effective in decreasing fibrosis in patients with the rare skin blistering disease recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB).
- Matrix detachment in Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (RDEB) leads to fibrosis, a rare skin disease causing scarring.
- Research conducted by dermatology researcher Andrew South, Ph.D., focused on delaying fibrosis in RDEB patients.
- A study by Grace Tartaglia, Ph.D., and colleagues identified FDA-approved antiviral drug Daclatasvir as effective in reducing fibrosis in RDEB patient tissue samples.
- Treatment with Daclatasvir in mouse models of RDEB showed reduced fibrosis, increased activity, and lifespan, indicating potential in human patients.
- The research team aims to understand how Daclatasvir decreases fibrosis, with plans to conduct clinical trials with support from clinicians specializing in RDEB patients.
Source link
Dermatology, Genetic Diseases, Repurposing FDA-approved drugs, Fibrosis, Butterfly Disease