RTI Biologics Inc. (RTI) (Nasdaq:RTIX), the Florida-based processor of orthopedic, dental, hernia and other biologic implants, has donated a sterilized dermis allograft, Matrix HD™, to treat an eight-year old patient with a rare skin disease called recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (EB).
“Patients with recessive dystrophic EB do not make type VII collagen. Matrix HD lays down the collagen scaffolding so that the skin cells can migrate and help heal the wounds.”
This is the first time terminally sterilized allograft dermis will be used to treat this disease. The patient is being treated at the Children’s Hospital of Denver, one of only five centers in the United States that have a multidisciplinary EB center.
“We are extremely grateful for this generous donation from RTI,” said Alan Arbuckle, MD, director of the Wound Care Clinic and co-director of the EB Center of Excellence at the Children’s Hospital of Denver. “Patients with recessive dystrophic EB do not make type VII collagen. Matrix HD lays down the collagen scaffolding so that the skin cells can migrate and help heal the wounds.”
EB is an inherited, blistering skin condition that varies widely in severity and forms. Patients with this disease lack anchors that hold the layers of their skin together, so any activity that rubs or causes pressure produces a painful sore or formation of fluid-filled blisters similar to a second-degree burn. Regular protection of the skin with gauze and ointments is necessary to prevent and protect the wounds and healthy skin. Currently, there is no cure for the disease that affects more than 10,000 children and adults in the United States. Approximately 600 people suffer from the recessive dystrophic form of the disease.
“EB is a disease that has multiple complications, including chronic pain. The grafting with Matrix HD is used to heal wounds so the patient experiences less pain in her lifetime,” Arbuckle said. “We will patchwork the grafts across her back every two months until the area is healed. So far, we have noticed that a large chronic wound on her back has started to heal. It is important to note, however, that because EB does not currently have a cure, the affected areas likely will need to be treated again in the future.”