Sydney. Researchers in Australia and Germany have cured patients suffering from the deadly skin disease toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) for the first time.
“An international collaboration, including researchers from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research in Melbourne and the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry in Germany, has led to a successful study published in Nature,” the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) said in a news release. Study develops first treatment for toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN).
TEN, also known as Lyell syndrome, is a rare skin disease that causes massive blisters and skin detachments, Xinhua news agency reported. This can cause dehydration, sepsis, pneumonia and organ failure.
This potentially fatal condition is caused by a reaction to common medications. Its mortality rate is about 30 percent.
The new study found that hyperactivation of the JAKSTAT signaling pathway (a chain of interactions between proteins inside a cell that is involved in processes such as immunity, cell death and tumor formation) causes TEN.
Using JAK inhibitors (an existing class of drugs used in treating inflammatory diseases), they were able to treat patients with TEN.
“Finding cures for such deadly diseases is a major task of medical research,” said study author Holly Anderton of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI). “I am very proud of this incredible research collaboration that has helped many patients. “Helped save lives.”
Further said, “Our research showed rapid improvement and complete recovery in all seven people treated with this therapy, which has seen surprising results. This research has opened further avenues for the treatment of this disease.
The researchers said they hope these findings will play an important role in the treatment of toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN).
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Image Credit: KhasKhabar.