April 10, 2009

expert comments on drug to reduce skin scarring as published in the Lancet

Scientists have developed a drug which reduces scarring following surgery. The compound, avotermin, helps elements of the skin such as collagen knit together more effectively when injected under the skin, though it remains in the research stage.

Mr Brendan Eley, Chief Executive of The Healing Foundation, said:

“TGF [transforming growth factor] beta3 has been one of the ‘holy grails’ of anti-scarring therapy for some time and these are encouraging results from Professor Ferguson and his team. That the impact on scar formation is both structural and aesthetic is very promising. What impact these therapies could have on patients with complicated and potentially disfiguring wounds – that’s the exciting next step of this work which the clinical community will await with eager anticipation. We wish Professor Ferguson well with his exciting and important research.”