People with EB (Epidermolysis Bullosa) set their hope on stem cell research
The genetically determined skin disease Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) is incurable until today. A cooperation between the patient organisation of the “butterfly children”, DEBRA Austria, and the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA) under the management of Josef Penninger, which was formed in November 2009, should initiate an entirely new healing method. A genetic “back-programming” of stem cells could be the key to healthy skin cells. The foundation is laid – the way to healing, however, still a long way off. The research project is financed entirely by donations. “Research projects which are funded by donations are until now our only chance to find alleviation and future healing” says Dr. Rainer Riedl, chairman and manager of the patient organisation DEBRA Austria.