Becaplermin (brand name Regranex) is a
cicatrizant, available as a topical gel. Regranex is a human
platelet-derived growth factor indicated along with good wound care for the treatment of lower extremity diabetic neuropathic ulcers.
It is also known as "platelet-derived growth factor BB".
Medical uses
The drug is used for the treatment of
diabetic foot ulcer
Diabetic foot ulcer is a major complication of diabetes mellitus, and probably the major component of the diabetic foot.
Wound healing is an innate mechanism of action that works reliably most of the time. A key feature of wound healing is step ...
s.
Studies of becaplermin showed that when used with good wound care, complete healing significantly increased and the ulcers healed on average 6 weeks faster.
Pharmacoeconomic studies reinforce the cost effectiveness of becaplermin as an adjunct to good wound care.
The amount of becaplermin to be applied will vary depending upon the size of the ulcer area. Becaplermin should be stored in the refrigerator.
Analysis of healing human wounds showed that PDGF-BB induces fibroblast proliferation and differentiation and was found to increase healing in patients with decreased healing capacity, such as people living with diabetes.
Contraindications
Becaplermin must not be used at the site of a
skin cancer.
[ for Regranex.]
Adverse effects
The most common side effects in clinical studies were
erythematous rash
Erythema (from the Greek , meaning red) is redness of the skin or mucous membranes, caused by hyperemia (increased blood flow) in superficial capillaries. It occurs with any skin injury, infection, or inflammation. Examples of erythema not asso ...
es.
A
boxed warning has been added to the safety label to describe an increase rate of death from
cancer
Cancer is a group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. These contrast with benign tumors, which do not spread. Possible signs and symptoms include a lump, abnormal bl ...
when three or more tubes are used.
Regranex should be used with caution in patients with known malignancy.
See also
*
Nepidermin
Nepidermin (brand name Easyef), also known as recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF), is a recombinant form of human epidermal growth factor (EGF) and a cicatrizant (a drug that promotes wound healing through formation of scar tissue) ...
References
External links
Regranex website
{{Growth factor receptor modulators
Dermatologic drugs