UK MHRA Approves VYJUVEK Gene Therapy for Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa from Birth
Key Insights
The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (search) approved VYJUVEK (beremagene geperpavec-svdt) for treating wounds in dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (search) patients with COL7A1 (search) gene mutations from birth.
VYJUVEK becomes the first genetic medicine approved in the UK for DEB (search) treatment, offering flexible administration options including home dosing by patients or caregivers.
Clinical trials demonstrated 67% complete wound healing at six months compared to 22% for placebo in patients aged one to 44 years.
The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (search) (MHRA) has granted marketing authorization to VYJUVEK® (beremagene geperpavec-svdt) for treating wounds in patients with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (search) (DEB (search)) who have mutations in the collagen type VII alpha 1 chain (search) (COL7A1 (search)) gene, marking the first genetic medicine approved in the United Kingdom for this rare condition.
The approval, announced on May 15, 2026, allows VYJUVEK to be administered from birth and includes flexible dosing options similar to those granted in the United States, European Union, and Japan. Patients can receive treatment at home or in healthcare settings, with administration possible by patients themselves or their caregivers.
Addressing the Root Cause of DEB
VYJUVEK is designed to address the underlying cause of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (search) by delivering functional copies of the human COL7A1 (search) gene directly to wound sites. This approach provides wound healing and sustained functional type VII collagen protein expression through redosing capabilities.
DEB (search) is a rare genetic condition characterized by fragile skin that is prone to blistering due to mutations in genes responsible for holding skin layers together. The condition affects patients from birth and can cause recurrent, painful wounds throughout their lives.
Clinical Evidence Supporting Approval
The MHRA's approval was based on comprehensive clinical data from Krystal Biotech's Phase 1/2 GEM-1 and Phase 3 GEM-3 studies. The pivotal study demonstrated that 67% of patients achieved complete wound healing at six months, compared with 22% for placebo, in patients aged one to 44 years.
The clinical dataset provided clear evidence of successful COL7A1 (search) gene delivery and durable wound closure following topical administration. Additional support came from the company's open-label extension study and real-world experience with VYJUVEK.
Market Exclusivity and Global Expansion
VYJUVEK has fulfilled the UK Orphan Designation criteria and will be added to the Orphan Register held by the MHRA, providing up to 12 years of market exclusivity. This approval represents the fourth regulatory authorization for VYJUVEK, following approvals by the FDA in the United States in May 2023, the European Commission in April 2025, and Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in July 2025.
"This latest approval brings VYJUVEK closer to patients in the United Kingdom and advances our vision of providing corrective therapy to as many DEB (search) patients as possible," said Laurent Goux, Executive Vice President, Head of International at Krystal Biotech.
Launch Timeline and Access
The timing for VYJUVEK's commercial launch in the United Kingdom will depend on the completion of reimbursement procedures currently underway. Krystal Biotech has indicated its focus on collaborating with relevant authorities to support broad and rapid access across the UK.
Julian Beach, MHRA Executive Director of Healthcare Quality and Access, commented: "This approval provides a new treatment option for patients living with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (search), a rare genetic condition that can cause fragile skin and recurrent wounds."
Suma Krishnan, President of Research and Development at Krystal Biotech, emphasized the significance of the approval: "We are delighted that VYJUVEK is now approved in the United Kingdom as the first and only corrective therapy for the treatment of DEB (search). This positive decision by the MHRA, our fourth approval following the United States, European Union, and Japan, reflects both the strength of our clinical dataset and our commitment to maximizing access to VYJUVEK worldwide."