Vyjuvek
Vyjuvek (beremagene geperpavec or beremagene geperpavec-svdt) is a topical gel that's used to treat wounds on the skin of people ages 6 months and older with a rare genetic problem called dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB). It's a type of gene therapy that helps skin cells make a certain protein that seals wounds and strengthens skin. Vyjuvek is applied onto the wounds once per week by a healthcare provider. Side effects include itching and chills.
What is Vyjuvek?
What is Vyjuvek used for?
- Skin wounds from dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) in people ages 6 months and older with an abnormal COL7A1 gene
How Vyjuvek works
There's a gene in your body called COL7A1 that normally gives your skin cells instructions on how to make a protein called COL7 (or type VII collagen). This collagen protein helps strengthen and support your skin.
But people with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) have abnormal versions (mutations) of the COL7A1 gene. This causes your skin cells to not make enough COL7 proteins that work properly, which can lead to skin problems and wounds.
Vyjuvek is a type of gene therapy. When you apply it to your skin, it delivers normal copies of the COL7A1 gene to your skin cells. This allows your skin cells to make functional COL7 protein that can help close skin wounds and make healthy skin.
Drug facts
Side effects of Vyjuvek
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Itching (10%)
- Chills (10%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Skin redness
- Rash
- Cough
- Runny nose
The following Vyjuvek side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Chills
- Cough
- Itching
- Runny or stuffy nose
Pros and cons of Vyjuvek
Pros
- Can help heal open wounds in people with DEB
- Applied to the skin once per week
- Can use on skin wounds of children as young as 6 months of age with this genetic condition
Cons
- Needs to be given by a healthcare professional
- Not a cure for DEB; only helps with wounds caused by the condition
Pharmacist tips for Vyjuvek
- Mark your appointments on your calendar to see your provider and get your Vyjuvek treatments. It's important to go to your appointments on time so you don't miss any doses. It also helps make sure your treatment is monitored properly.
- Discuss with your provider about which skin wounds that should be treated with Vyjuvek first. It might not be possible to get all your wounds treated at each appointment. And your provider will apply the medication onto the selected wounds until they close before moving onto new wounds.
- Avoid touching or scratching treated wounds and the dressings of treated wounds for at least 24 hours after your provider applies Vyjuvek onto your skin. This helps prevent the medication from accidentally getting into your mouth, eyes, or nose or onto other areas of your skin.
- Make sure to wash your hands and wear protective gloves when you're changing wound dressings so you don't get Vyjuvek onto healthy skin or other areas of your body, like your eyes or nose.
- If you accidentally get Vyjuvek inside your mouth, nose, or other area of your body (e.g., genitals), rinse the area with clean water for 15 minutes.
- If you get Vyjuvek into your eye by accident, flush your eye right away with clean water for 15 minutes.
- Tell your provider if you're pregnant, thinking of becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding. It's not completely known how safe Vyjuvek is for unborn babies or on the skin of healthy babies who are nursing.
Common questions about Vyjuvek
In a small clinical study, 71% of dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa wounds completely healed after 3 months of treatment with Vyjuvek. Another 3 months later, 67% of the wounds that were treated with the medication were completely healed.
Yes, Vyjuvek is a gene therapy. Gene therapy medications are used to treat genetic conditions by replacing abnormal or missing genes in your cells with working genes. Once the working gene gets into your cells, your cells use the gene as a blueprint to make proteins that work properly. Some people with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) don't make enough of a collagen protein called COL7 because they have an abnormal COL7A1 gene. Vyjuvek is a gel that's applied onto the skin wounds of people with this type of DEB. The medication delivers a working COL7A1 gene to the skin cells so they can make COL7 and seal open skin wounds.
No, Vyjuvek can only be given by a healthcare provider because the medication has special storage, preparation, and administration requirements. When you first start treatment, your provider will apply Vyjuvek onto your skin wounds at their office or clinic. But it's also possible to get treated with Vyjuvek at home with a healthcare provider there to apply the medication onto your skin wounds. Ask your provider whether this is an option for you.
It's not known whether Vyjuvek is safe for you if you're pregnant because it hasn't been studied. If you're pregnant, you shouldn't prepare or apply Vyjuvek. You also should avoid direct contact with treated wounds or dressings from treated wounds. The manufacturer recommends that you should use birth control during treatment if you're able to get pregnant. Talk to your provider if you're pregnant or thinking of getting pregnant.
It's not known whether Vyjuvek is safe for you or your baby while you're breastfeeding because it hasn't been studied. Talk to your provider if you're currently breastfeeding.
How to save using GoodRx
Risks and warnings for Vyjuvek
Vyjuvek can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Accidental exposure
Vyjuvek won't work on healthy parts of your skin. But it's still important to be careful to avoid accidentally getting the medication onto other parts of your body. Don't scratch or touch wounds or their dressings for at least 24 hours after you get each Vyjuvek treatment. Additionally, make sure to wear protective gloves when you're handling or changing wound dressings. If you accidentally get Vyjuvek in your eyes, mouth, or nose, flush the area with clean water for at least 15 minutes. Get medical help if you have any side effects like burning, stinging, or tingling in an area of your body that was exposed to Vyjuvek.
Vyjuvek dosage
Typical dosage for Vyjuvek
Your Vyjuvek dose will depend on the size of your wound(s). Your healthcare provider will help apply the medication onto your wound(s).
- Ages 6 months to under 3 years: Apply up to 0.8 mL directly to the skin wound(s) once per week.
- Ages 3 years and older: Apply up to 1.6 mL directly to the skin wound(s) once per week.
Vyjuvek images
