Aziz Ghahary
University of British Columbia, Canada
Title: A new approach in preventing hypertrophic scarring/keloid
Biography
Biography: Aziz Ghahary
Abstract
Wound healing outcome is regulated by a fine balance between deposition and degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Over healing formation such as keloid is mediated by exaggerated ECM deposition and abnormalities in ECM degradation. Current treatment modalities for prevention of keloid and hypertrophic scarring have limited efficacy, which raised a great need for innovation within wound care industry. Moving toward novel approaches to prevent these devastating conditions, we identified the anti-scarring properties of Kynurenic acid (KynA), a naturally occurring small molecule generated from tryptophan degradation. To slow down/prevent keloid and hypertrophic scar formation, we have delivered KynA within the wounds before and/or during epithelialization by using either topical application of KynA containing cream or KynA slow releasing dressing. The results showed a significant outcome improvement in a fibrotic rabbit ear model received this therapeutic agent. During the course of this talk, the challenges associated with dermal fibrosis will be presented, the reason for choosing KynA as a potent anti fibrogenic factor will be discussed, in vitro data on efficacy of KynA as an ECM modulating factor in favor of improving the wound healing outcome will be presented, the benefit of using KynA in a topical cream and slow releasing dressing on a fibrotic rabbit ear model will be shown, finally the safety result of KynA cream in a phase 1 clinical trial will be presented. At the end, the conclusion and the future direction of using KynA as a potent anti-fibrogenic factor for treatment of keloid and hypertrophic scarring will be presented.