Computational Drug Repurposing for All EBS Cases

Study Overview
=================
Brief Summary
-----------------
The study will compare gene expression differences between blistered and non-blistered skin from individuals with all subtypes of EB, as well as normal skin from non-EB subjects. State of the art computational analysis will be performed to help identify new drugs that might help all EB wound healing and reduce pain. Researchers will focus on drugs that have already been approved for treatment of other dermatologic or non-dermatologic diseases, and therefore be repurposed for treatment of EB. Drug development is a very expensive process taking decades for execution. Drug repurposing on the other hand, significantly reduces the cost and shortens the amount of time that is needed to bring effective treatments to clinical use. To date, there is no specific treatment targeting the physiology and immunologic response in EB patients during wound healing. Market availability of repurposed medications will provide all EB patients rapid access to treatments, thus improving their quality of life.

Detailed Description
-----------------
Although gene, cell, and protein-based therapies are in development for patients suffering from all subtypes of epidermolysis bullosa (EB), new pharmacological treatments are in dire need. Characterizing molecular changes in EB, including gene expression, can identify new therapeutic targets and drugs that modulate those targets. However, sifting through gene expression information to identify the most promising drug targets is a complex data challenge. The goal of the study will identify a computational approach to evaluate and identify existing drugs approved for other diseases that can be repurposed for EB patients. The study will perform an unprecedented characterization of gene expression changes in EB patients compared to healthy, non-EB individuals across multiple tissues. Using a validated computational drug discovery platform, researchers will analyze gene expression and drug data using unique algorithms. In the first year, a list of ten, safety drugs more probable to treat the EB disease state will be identified. The most promising drugs discovered will then be tested in the clinic setting.

Official Title
-----------------
Computational Drug Repurposing for All Epidermolysis Bullosa Simplex (EBS) Cases

Conditions
-----------------
Epidermolysis Bullosa, Healthy, Genetic Skin Disease, Epidermolysis Bullosa Simplex, Epidermolysis Bullosa, Junctional, Epidermolysis Bullosa Dystrophica

Intervention / Treatment
-----------------
* Procedure: Experimental Group


Participation Criteria
=================
Eligibility Criteria
-----------------
Inclusion Criteria: Subjects of all ages Diagnosis of all subtypes of EB subjects Healthy, non-EB subjects Ability to complete study visit to collect tissue and blood specimen Exclusion Criteria: Pregnancy, breast feeding Prior history of liver disease Serious known concurrent medical illness or infection, which could potentially present a safety risk and/or prevent tissue collection from subjects

Ages Eligible for Study
-----------------
Minimum Age: 0 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
-----------------
All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
-----------------
Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
=================
How is the study designed?
-----------------

Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental Group<br>Blood and tissue specimen will be collected from subjects with an EB diagnosis. Tissue specimen will be collected from blistered and nonblistered skin. | Procedure: Experimental Group<br>* Subjects with EB diagnosis<br>|
| Control Group<br>Blood and tissue specimen will be collected from healthy subjects with non-EB. Tissue specimen will be collected from an inconspicuous skin area. | Procedure: Experimental Group<br>* Subjects with EB diagnosis<br>|

What is the study measuring?
-----------------
Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Characterize gene expression changes in EB using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and Computational Profiling Potential Drug Targets | Using bioinformatic algorithms to identify changes in gene expression and review of over 2000 FDA-approved drugs based on predicted modulation of gene expression changes using a computational evolutionary algorithm system. | Through the completion of study in 1 year. | 

 Terms related to the study
=================
Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
-----------------
epidermolysis bullosa, genetic expression, drug repurposing, computational approaches, drug discovery