StemRIM Inc. announced that a research paper summarizing the results of collaborative research on the development of stem cell gene therapy for epidermolysis bullosa (Development code; PJ5), conducted in partnership with Osaka University, has been published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology (JID), the official journal of the Society for Investigative Dermatology in the United States. The title of this research paper is "Gene-modified blister fluid-derived mesenchymal stromal cells for treating recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullOS". Based on the development of a novel technique for isolating and culturing mesenchymal stem cells from blister fluid of patients with severe recessive dystrophic epidersmolysis bullosa, who have a deficiency of type VII collagen, the study reports on the introduction of the type VII collagen gene into patient-derived mesenchymal Stromal cells from blister fluid and subsequent transplantation of these cells back into the patient's skin.

This approach aims to achieve a curative treatment for recessive dystrophic epidesis bullosa, a condition for which there is currently no effective therapy available. This research achievement represents an important step toward the practical application of stem cell gene therapy, and it is expected to accelerate further research and development toward a curative treatment for recessives epidermolysis bullos. Furthermore, as announced in the "Notice of Participation as a Collaborative Research Company in the AMED Public Offering Project 'FY 2022 Research for Practical Application of Intractable Diseases" dated April 5, 2022, in Japanese joint research partner (Osaka University) has received funding for the clinical trial expenses from the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED).

Currently, preparations for the clinical trial are underway at Osaka University.