Research Project Grants - Wound Healing in EB - Debra International

DEBRA International is now inviting expressions-of-interest for funding support targeting wound healing in epidermolysis bullosa (EB).

The scope of eligible projects includes:
· Research projects that will develop a better understanding of the causes and consequences of
  non-healing or chronic wounds specific to EB, with the ultimate goal of improving treatments for
  wound-healing;
· Clinical studies or clinical trials of therapies to improve wound healing in any type of EB;
· Symptom-relief treatments that address clinical consequences of EB wounds that impact upon
  quality of life (e.g. itch, pain, scarring, contractures).

A recent priority setting meeting identified detailed areas of research interest, including but not limited to;
· Elucidation of genotype-phenotype correlations underpinning the heterogeneity of clinical
  presentation
· Data collection and/or biobanking of tissues (blister fluid, exudate and biopsies)
· The natural history / time course of wound development and predisposition of anatomic site.
· Influence of microbiome on wound healing
· Influence of inflammatory status on wound healing
· Oral and gut mucosal wound healing
· Factors pre-disposing to fibrosis, scar tissue and contractures
· Achievable incremental changes to the quality of life of people living with EB - itch, pain,
  management of exudate and odour
· Evaluation of dressings or other wound management approaches
· Evaluation and standardisation of the tools by which we measure wound healing in EB. Clinical
  validation of protocols and tools that will support clinical trial and regulatory processes

The focus of the call is on wound-healing and relief of symptoms associated with EB wounds, rather than curative therapies that would address the underlying genetic defect, or treat squamous cell cancer. Proposals in the latter categories may be submitted to the DEBRA International ‘All-Priorities Research Call'.

For more information, please visit: http://www.debra-international.org/research/apply-for-funding/wound-heal...