KeraStat(TM) Burn Gel and Halofuginone to Prevent Scar Contracture after Burn Injuries

This Phase I project is relevant to the ultimate goals of this program announcement given the prevalence of the IED which often creates complex burn wounds on the face and skin that often form hypertrophic scars that often contract over time. Burn wound healing is a complex process that includes phases of inflammation, granulation tissue formation, re-epithelialization, and, finally, remodeling. Our proposed solution intends to intervene during the wound healing and remodeling phase to prevent hypertrophic scars from forming, thereby preventing scar contracture. In this initial proof of concept study, a keratin burn product KeraStat Burn Gel and a keratin + halofuginone product (Halogel, halofuginone is a Type I collagen synthesis inhibitor) will be assessed for contraction prevention by a standard commercially available fibroblast contraction assay. Additionally inflammatory and matrix gene expression will be examined by RT-PCR array in fibroblasts and keratinocytes after keratin and halofuginone exposure. Together these data will form the basis for a Phase II large and small animal efficacy study in models of burn scar contracture.