DEB prevents the production of collagen in the skin, which results in the skin being extremely fragile and blistering off easily. “If you pick up a baby from under their arms, their skin just peels off,” said Hartman, emphasizing how horrific the disorder is. In 2021, Dr. Badiavas’ treatment will be offered in a phase 1/2a clinical trial, a study that tests the safety, side effects, and best dose of a new treatment. Working with actual stem cells can be onerous and costly, so Aegle developed a proprietary approach that is cell-free and has the potential to demonstrate a safer, lower-cost means of harnessing the regenerative healing power of stem cells without using the cells themselves. If you are someone you know would be interested in participating in a trial, you can contact Aegle at: [email protected]