Preclinical data successfully established proof of concept for Spray-On Skin™ Cells therapy from Avita Medical, Inc. in skin rejuvenation and epidermolysis bullosa, two key areas of cell-based gene therapy.
Researchers at the Houston Methodist Research Institute (HMRI) partnered with Avita in the preclinical research that shows successful regeneration of the skin by pairing Avita’s proprietary RECELL technology with HMRI’s patented RNA technologies to reverse cellular aging.
“We are encouraged by these early results and look forward to continuing to work with AVITA Medical to explore technologies for reversing aging of skin cells,” says Dr. John Cooke, Chair of the Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, and Medical Director of the RNA Therapeutics department at Houston Methodist Research Institute, in a statement. “Skin is the body’s largest organ, and molecular signaling from aged cells can have a significant impact on the rest of the body. Therefore, reversing aging of skin could have significant implications for other systems in the body.”
Preclinical data collected in partnership with scientists at the Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, show successful regeneration of skin from gene-modified skin cells to correct the mutation associated with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, a rare and incurable skin disorder caused by mutations in the gene encoding structural proteins, resulting in skin fragility and blistering.
“These initial results are a meaningful step forward in the advancement of our epidermolysis bullosa program,” says director of the Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine Dr. Dennis Roop, in a statement. “We’re looking forward to continuing to work with AVITA Medical on this novel approach to delivering gene-edited skin cells to patients.”
Additionally, Avita has completed enrollment into its pivotal trial for the use of the RECELL System for soft-tissue reconstruction. Currently, the RECELL System is indicated in the US for treatment of acute thermal burns. Topline data will be shared later this year.
“Completing enrollment of the pivotal trial assessing use of the RECELL® System for treatment of soft-tissue reconstruction is an important milestone for AVITA Medical and moreover, is synergistic with our current commercial focus in burns. Ultimately, with FDA approval of this indication, we expect to expand the use of RECELL to include all acute wounds,” says Dr. Mike Perry, Chief Executive Officer of AVITA Medical. “Early completion of enrollment in our soft tissue reconstruction trial underscores the need and physician desire for new treatment options.”
