![\"\"](\"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/2.22068333.jpg\")
Irish researchers have announced a breakthrough in the search for a cure for a painful skin disease.<\/p>\nIrish researchers have announced a breakthrough in the search for a cure for a painful skin disease.<\/p>\n
Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a genetic condition in which sufferers lack a vital protein responsible for binding skin.<\/p>\n
This results in painful blisters \u2013 both internal and external \u2013 from the slightest knock or bump.<\/p>\n
The disease affects approximately 300 people in Ireland.<\/p>\n
Researchers at University College Dublin (UCD) say they have now produced a solution that uses gene therapy to repair bad cells.<\/p>\n
The breakthrough has the potential to provide a permanent cure for patients with Recessive Dystrophic EB, one of the most severe sub-types of the disease, for which no treatment currently exists.<\/p>\n
The concept has been pioneered by Professor Wenxin Wang, who has been carrying out research into EB for the past 10 years, with assistance from the charity Debra Ireland.<\/p>\n
Dr Jonathan O\u2019Keeffe Ahern, one of the leading gene therapy researchers in Professor Wang\u2019s team, said one of the greatest benefits of the solution is that it removes the need for painful surgery.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe best part of this therapy is that it would not involve painful skin grafting procedures or risks associated with viral treatments in delivering functioning genes to the skin,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe call this the Fed Ex of gene editing \u2013 we deliver a biological solution using a simple carrier system.<\/p>\n
\u201cRather like using a postcode, we can send in a genetic scissors to cut out the non-functioning part of a gene and then the repaired cells know to fill that space and permanently repair the gene.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe would not need to even take the patient cells for skin grafting. The gel would be applied, absorbed and go to work.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have seen some promising results in the lab. With further research, we could expand this to other EB types and even other genetic conditions.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are in the process of forming our own spin-out company to continue to develop this technology and take it to the next step, a clinical trial.\u201d<\/p>\n
Debra Ireland provides day-to-day help and support for EB patients and their families and also works to find better treatments and possible cures for EB.<\/p>\n
This week (October 21-27) is National EB Awareness Week and the charity is asking the public to get involved by wearing a butterfly tattoo to raise awareness for this rare disease and funds for further research.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are asking people to help by picking up a Debra Ireland butterfly tattoo at any Applegreen service station and texting the word BUTTERFLY to 50300 to make a \u20ac4 donation,\u201d said Debra Ireland head of research Dr Sinead Hickey.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is very exciting time for people involved in EB research.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe depend totally on public funding, and we are now at a stage where every euro can make a vital difference to the future lives of people living with the condition.\u201d<\/p>\n