Dermaliq Therapeutics and global non-profit organisation DEBRA Research have entered into a partnership aimed at advancing drug delivery into the skin for epidermolysis bullosa (EB).

The non-exclusive collaboration will initially focus on enhancing wound-healing and anti-itch therapies, as well as developing prophylactic therapies for patients with the group of rare and painful genetic skin disorders.

Approximately 500,000 people worldwide are affected by EB, which causes the skin to become extremely fragile, and blister and tear very easily. The disorders currently have no cure, and treatments are limited to relieving symptoms and preventing complications such as infection.

Dermaliq’s hyliQ technology allows for the targeted delivery of active compounds into the skin without mechanical interference to fragile or wounded tissue.

The touchless approach is specifically designed for conditions like EB and offers “critical therapeutic benefits” for patients by delivering treatments while preserving the integrity of compromised skin, the partners said.

“With its unique features and exceptional safety profile, hyliQ is ideally suited for the touchless topical treatment of disease-affected and damaged skin. We look forward to the impact this collaboration can bring to the EB community and beyond,” said Dermaliq’s chief executive officer, Frank Löscher.

Though financial details of the alliance have not been disclosed, the new partners outlined that DEBRA will make a strategic investment in Dermaliq as part of the agreement.

Christoph Coch, managing director at DEBRA Research, said: “Dermaliq’s unique technology platform and clinical pipeline offer a promising approach to overcome the limitations of existing topical treatments, particularly for application on the damaged and fragile skin characteristic of EB.

“We believe this collaboration will play a pivotal role in advancing transformative therapies and improving both medical outcomes and quality of life for those affected by this devastating condition.”