Vericel Corporation announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved NexoBrid (anacaulase-bcdb) for eschar removal in pediatric patients with deep partial-thickness and/or full-thickness thermal burns. This expands the indication of the biologic product, which was previously approved for adult use in December 2022.
Clinical Trial Data and Approval Basis
The FDA approval is based on the results of the global Phase 3 Children Innovation Debridement Study (CIDS), which evaluated the safety and efficacy of NexoBrid in hospitalized pediatric patients. Additional data from Phase 3 and Phase 2 studies conducted during the clinical development of NexoBrid were also considered. The clinical significance of this approval lies in providing a less invasive alternative to traditional surgical methods for managing severe burn injuries in children.
NexoBrid: A Non-Surgical Solution
NexoBrid (anacaulase-bcdb) is a biologic product containing proteolytic enzymes indicated for eschar removal. It offers a non-surgical option to quickly and effectively treat severe thermal burns. According to Steven Kahn, MD, Chief of Burn Surgery at MUSC, University Hospital and Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, this approval ensures that children will now have access to this innovative non-surgical option.
Commercial Expansion and Future Impact
Vericel is expanding its target customer base to include the approximately 20 pediatric burn centers in the United States. The company expects this expansion to have a meaningful impact on overall NexoBrid uptake over time. Nick Colangelo, President and CEO of Vericel, stated that NexoBrid is poised to become the new standard of care for eschar removal, making a meaningful impact on the lives of both adult and pediatric burn patients.
Important Safety Information
NexoBrid is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to anacaulase-bcdb, bromelain, pineapples, papayas, or papain. Warnings and precautions include the risk of hypersensitivity reactions and coagulopathy. Common adverse reactions in adults include pruritus, pyrexia, wound complication, anemia, vomiting, and insomnia. In pediatric patients, the most common adverse reactions were pruritus, pyrexia, and vomiting.
Limitations of Use
The safety and effectiveness of NexoBrid have not been established for treatment of chemical or electrical burns; burns on the face, perineum, or genitalia; burns on the feet of patients with diabetes mellitus or occlusive vascular disease; circumferential burns; or burns in patients with significant cardiopulmonary disease, including inhalation injury. NexoBrid is also not recommended for wounds contaminated with radioactive and other hazardous substances or treatment of burn wounds where medical devices or vital structures could become exposed during eschar removal.
