The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Krystal Biotech Inc's Vyjuvek, a first-of-its-kind topical gene therapy for patients with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB). This rare and severe genetic skin disorder, often presenting at birth, leads to open wounds, increasing the risk of skin infections, vision loss, scarring, and potentially fatal skin cancer. The approval marks a significant advancement for a condition where most affected individuals rarely survive beyond 30 years of age.
Vyjuvek is indicated for patients aged six months and older, suffering from either recessive or dominant forms of DEB. The therapy's approval is based on data from an early-to-mid-stage study and a pivotal late-stage trial involving 31 patients.
Clinical Trial Results
The late-stage study demonstrated that Vyjuvek led to complete wound healing in approximately 65% of participants, significantly higher than the 21.6% observed in the placebo group. These results underscore the potential of Vyjuvek to address the unmet medical needs of DEB patients.
Commercialization and Availability
Krystal Biotech anticipates that Vyjuvek will be available in the United States in the third quarter of 2023. CEO Krish Krishnan stated, "We have been preparing for a commercial launch for the last 18 months if not longer. Our intent is to provide access to all the patients if possible in the United States."
Disease Burden and Patient Population
Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa affects an estimated 9,000 to 10,000 people globally, with approximately 3,000 patients residing in the United States, according to Krystal Biotech. The company has not yet disclosed the pricing for Vyjuvek.
