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.
Skin wounds from dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) in people ages 6 months and older with an abnormal COL7A1 gene
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.
Source: DailyMed
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
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
Needs to be given by a healthcare professional
Not a cure for DEB; only helps with wounds caused by the condition
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.
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.
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.
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.
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American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Epidermolysis bullosa: Diagnosis and treatment.
American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Epidermolysis bullosa: Overview.
American Optometric Association. (n.d.). Protecting your eyes at work.
Guide, S.V., et al. (2022). Trial of beremagene geperpavec (B-VEC) for dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. The New England Journal of Medicine.
Krystal Biotech, Inc. (2023). Vyjuvek- vyjuvek [package insert]. DailyMed.
MedlinePlus. (2020). COL7A1 gene.
MedlinePlus. (2020). Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa.
National Human Genome Research Institute. (2023). Gene.
Paller, A. S. (2024). Practical considerations relevant to treatment with the gene therapy beremagene geperpavec-svdt for dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Journal of Dermatological Treatment.
Your Genome. (n.d.). What is a gene?
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