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Discovery and development of avotermin (recombinant human transforming growth factor beta 3): A new class of prophylactic therapeutic for the improvement of scarring
Author(s) -
Occleston Nick L.,
O'Kane Sharon,
Laverty Hugh G.,
Cooper Mark,
Fairlamb David,
Mason Tracey,
Bush Jim A.,
Ferguson Mark W.J.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
wound repair and regeneration
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.847
H-Index - 109
eISSN - 1524-475X
pISSN - 1067-1927
DOI - 10.1111/j.1524-475x.2011.00711.x
Subject(s) - scars , medicine , transforming growth factor , growth factor , transforming growth factor beta , adverse effect , surgery , receptor
Scarring in the skin following surgery or trauma may be associated with adverse aesthetic, functional, growth and psychological effects, such that both physicians and patients regard it as important to minimize the appearance of scars. The prophylactic improvement of cutaneous scar appearance represents a significant opportunity to improve the well‐being of patients. Human recombinant transforming growth factor beta 3 (avotermin) is the first in a new class of therapeutic agents to address this medical need. Herein we describe scar‐free healing in early embryonic development, including the identification of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underpinning the scarring process. This understanding has led to the discovery of novel therapeutics such as transforming growth factor beta 3, which can be administered to improve scar appearance in human subjects through pharmacological action. We discuss the pioneering development of transforming growth factor beta 3 in this new therapeutic area showing how it has been possible to translate preclinical concepts into clinical application, namely the improvement of scar appearance following surgery.