Gene Therapy Heals Chronic Blistering Skin Disease Wounds
- A clinical trial led by Stanford Medicine indicates that skin grafts, genetically modified using a patient's own cells, effectively promote healing of persistent wounds in individuals suffering from...
- The phase III clinical trial revealed that patients with EB experienced notably improved healing, along with reduced pain and itching, in wounds treated with the genetically engineered grafts.
- dr.jean tang, a professor of dermatology at Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford and lead author of the study, said the novel gene therapy technique successfully treated the most...
Groundbreaking gene therapy skin grafts are revolutionizing the treatment of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a severe blistering skin disease. A Phase III trial reveals that thes innovative grafts significantly enhance healing and alleviate pain in EB patients, marking a major advancement in medical care. This breakthrough, discussed in detail on News Directory 3, offers new hope for individuals suffering from chronic wounds. The FDA approved the use of these gene therapy skin grafts in April 2025. The treatment offers patients, like Charlotte Brown, a significant reduction in pain and an improved quality of life. What exciting progress is around the corner? Discover what’s next …
gene Therapy Skin Grafts Heal Chronic Wounds in Blistering Skin Disease
Updated June 24, 2025
A clinical trial led by Stanford Medicine indicates that skin grafts, genetically modified using a patient’s own cells, effectively promote healing of persistent wounds in individuals suffering from severe dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (EB). this genetic condition causes extreme skin fragility, leading to blisters, open lesions and intense pain from even the slightest touch.
The phase III clinical trial revealed that patients with EB experienced notably improved healing, along with reduced pain and itching, in wounds treated with the genetically engineered grafts. These outcomes were compared to untreated skin wounds. The U.S. Food and Drug management approved the skin grafts as a therapy for EB on April 29, 2025.
dr.jean tang, a professor of dermatology at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford and lead author of the study, said the novel gene therapy technique successfully treated the most challenging-to-heal and painful wounds. She added that the results represent a notable achievement for all involved in the research process.
Charlotte Brown, 20, of Birmingham, Alabama, reported a substantial reduction in pain since joining the Phase III trial in 2021. The gene therapy skin grafts have lessened the severity of her chronic wounds, enabling her to maintain a job she enjoys.
“It’s honestly life-changing,” Brown said. “I feel so much better.”
Brown is among the 11 patients who participated in the study, with most receiving the treatment at multiple sites on their skin.
These new skin grafts are part of broader efforts to enhance treatment options for EB patients. since 2023, a gene therapy gel has been available to help prevent and heal smaller wounds. Though, an effective treatment for larger, persistent wounds remained a necessity, which skin grafts now address.
Tang expressed her excitement over the progress, which stems from over two decades of research at Stanford Medicine. “Who would have thoght that an experiment in a Stanford lab would lead to a personalized therapy for EB patients?” she said. “Now there’s a lot of hope.”
What’s next
Abeona therapeutics Inc., which licensed the treatment from Stanford University, will manufacture the grafts. The grafts will be accessible at five hospitals nationwide, including Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford.