Krystal Biotech Announces Publication in the New England Journal of Medicine on the Application of B-VEC to Treat Ocular Complications in Patient with Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa

• Initial clinical data suggest the potential of B-VEC to treat lesions in the eye of DEB patients and additional applications of Krystal’s HSV-1 platform to treat ocular diseases

• Repeat administration of B-VEC eyedrops was well tolerated and associated with full corneal healing by 3 months as well as significant visual acuity improvement from hand motion to 20/25 at 8 months

• Second NEJM publication of B-VEC clinical data adding to evidence of benefit for DEB patients in both skin and ocular tissue

PITTSBURGH, Feb. 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Krystal Biotech, Inc. (the “Company”) (NASDAQ: KRYS), a commercial-stage biotechnology company, today announced data on the compassionate use of beremagene geperpavec (B-VEC), administered as an eyedrop to treat a patient with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) with cicatrizing conjunctivitis has been published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). The full manuscript, titled “Ocular Gene Therapy in a Patient with Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa,” can be found in the February 8, 2024 issue of the NEJM.

Over 25% of patients with DEB develop ocular complications such as corneal erosions, abrasions, blistering and scarring that can lead to impaired vision. Disease management varies from supportive care and wound management to surgical interventions to remove scar tissue. No corrective therapy is presently available. The NEJM publication describes the first application of B-VEC to treat ocular complications in a patient with DEB under a compassionate use program.

“DEB is a devastating disease and patients with ocular complications have no corrective treatment options leaving them at risk of severe vision loss,” said Alfonso L. Sabater, M.D., PhD, Associate Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, and investigator. “We are encouraged by the improvements observed in the patient following B-VEC administration as an eyedrop directly to the affected eye and believe this data is supportive of further investigation in DEB patients with ocular complications. If approved, this approach could drastically benefit these patients.”