Genzyme burn treatment given the green light

Genzyme Corporation has confirmed that its treatment for life-threatening burn wounds has been approved.

Epicel was given the go-ahead by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) this week under the Humanitarian Device Exemption.

According to the biotechnology firm, Epicel can provide permanent skin replacement for burn victims after being made from a patient’s own skin cells and then grown on a layer of mouse cells to enhance development.

"We are pleased that the FDA has recognised the importance of Epicel for patients with severe burns," commented Alicia Secor, vice president and general manager of the Genzyme group that manufactures the treatment.

"Epicel has played a critical role in the recovery process of hundreds of patients who have suffered through the trauma of life-threatening burns," she continued.

Epicel is the first xenotransplantation-classified product to be approved in the US because of its inclusion of animal cells.

One of the world’s leading biotechnology companies, Genzyme is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of people with serious diseases, with a substantial development programme focussed on areas of unmet medical need.