RTI Biologics donates Matrix HD to treat eight-year-old with recessive dystrophic EB

Jan 29 2010

RTI Biologics Inc. (RTI) (Nasdaq:RTIX), the Florida-based processor of orthopedic, dental, hernia and other biologic implants, has donated a sterilized dermis allograft, Matrix HD™, to treat an eight-year old patient with a rare skin disease called recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (EB).

“Patients with recessive dystrophic EB do not make type VII collagen. Matrix HD lays down the collagen scaffolding so that the skin cells can migrate and help heal the wounds.”

This is the first time terminally sterilized allograft dermis will be used to treat this disease. The patient is being treated at the Children’s Hospital of Denver, one of only five centers in the United States that have a multidisciplinary EB center.

“We are extremely grateful for this generous donation from RTI,” said Alan Arbuckle, MD, director of the Wound Care Clinic and co-director of the EB Center of Excellence at the Children’s Hospital of Denver. “Patients with recessive dystrophic EB do not make type VII collagen. Matrix HD lays down the collagen scaffolding so that the skin cells can migrate and help heal the wounds.”

EB is an inherited, blistering skin condition that varies widely in severity and forms. Patients with this disease lack anchors that hold the layers of their skin together, so any activity that rubs or causes pressure produces a painful sore or formation of fluid-filled blisters similar to a second-degree burn. Regular protection of the skin with gauze and ointments is necessary to prevent and protect the wounds and healthy skin. Currently, there is no cure for the disease that affects more than 10,000 children and adults in the United States. Approximately 600 people suffer from the recessive dystrophic form of the disease.

“EB is a disease that has multiple complications, including chronic pain. The grafting with Matrix HD is used to heal wounds so the patient experiences less pain in her lifetime,” Arbuckle said. “We will patchwork the grafts across her back every two months until the area is healed. So far, we have noticed that a large chronic wound on her back has started to heal. It is important to note, however, that because EB does not currently have a cure, the affected areas likely will need to be treated again in the future.”

Matrix HD is acellular human dermis processed using the Tutoplast® Tissue Sterilization Process. The allograft dermis is collagenous connective tissue with three-dimensional intertwined fibers that retain the multidirectional and mechanical properties of native dermis. Matrix HD supports cellular revascularization and repopulation by the host tissue and has been used in a variety of applications, including sports medicine, urology, breast reconstruction and other surgical specialties.

“RTI is pleased to donate Matrix HD to treat this patient,” said Roger Rose, executive vice president for RTI. “The Children’s Hospital of Denver is touted for excellence with its inpatient and outpatient wound program, and we applaud their efforts to use Matrix HD to help this little girl’s severe pain and give her some comfort.”

Allograft is tissue surgically transplanted from one person to another. Most allograft tissue is recovered surgically after someone dies; the donor must have consented to the donation before death or the donor’s family must consent after death. Tissue transplantation can have many benefits for recipients including repairing tissue defects caused by trauma or disease, restoring mobility and regaining independence in daily activities.

RTI honors the gift of tissue donation by treating the tissue with respect, by finding new ways to use the tissue to help patients and by helping as many patients as possible from each donation.