Castle Creek Biosciences Advances EB Therapy Development Following Acquisition of Fibrocell Science

On September 16, 2019, VCBeat (WeChat ID: vcbeat) learned from foreign media reports that biopharmaceutical company Castle Creek Pharmaceutical Holdings (Castle Creek) announced the acquisition of biotechnology company Fibrocell Science (Fibrocell) for $63.3 million.

Following the completion of this acquisition, Castle Creek will advance the clinical development of therapeutic agents for epidermolysis bullosa (EB), leveraging Fibrocell’s innovative medical technologies for skin and connective tissue disorders.

Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), also known as congenital epidermolysis bullosa, is classified into hereditary and acquired types. The disease predominantly affects the extremities and the extensor surfaces of the joints of the limbs; in severe cases, it may involve any part of the body. Patients' skin is prone to developing blisters and blood blisters after minor friction or trauma. Healing of the skin lesions results in scarring or milia, and recurrent lesions on the extremities can lead to onychodystrophy or loss of fingernails and toenails.

Fibrocell Science, Inc., established in 1995 and headquartered in Pennsylvania, USA, is a biotechnology company. The company develops cell and gene therapies by translating autologous cell technologies and has pioneered an innovative autologous fibroblast program. Fibroblasts play a critical role in the production of collagen and growth factors in skin and other soft tissues. Fibrocell Science went public on the NASDAQ Stock Market in the United States in 2009, trading under the ticker symbol FCSC.

Currently, FCX-007, one of Fibrocell’s lead drug candidates, is undergoing Phase III clinical trials for the treatment of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Previously, Fibrocell conducted Phase I and II clinical trials of FCX-013, a therapeutic agent for moderate-to-severe localized scleroderma, to evaluate its safety and efficacy.

Headquartered in New Jersey, USA, Castle Creek is a privately held holding company primarily investing in the field of rare dermatology. In 2015, the company established its biopharmaceutical subsidiary, Castle Creek Pharma, to provide new treatment options for patients with epidermolysis bullosa (EB). Committed to pioneering novel therapies for patients with rare and severe skin diseases, Castle Creek Pharma maintains offices in Parsippany, New Jersey, and Chicago, Illinois.

Greg Wujek, CEO of Castle Creek, stated, “Castle Creek’s collaboration with Fibrocell Science began in April 2019, focusing on the development of novel therapies for epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a chronic and severely painful rare skin disease. Patients with EB experience severe blistering in the early stages, yet treatment options are limited to palliative measures such as extensive wound dressing. As a company dedicated to dermatology, we will develop topical treatments and gene therapies for various types of EB and investigate potential therapeutic approaches for scleroderma.”

Dr. Mary Spellman, Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President of Castle Creek, added, “EB is a rare genetic disorder for which there are currently no FDA-approved therapies. Fibrocell’s unique gene therapy platform presents us with an opportunity to advance our development of dermatological treatments to meet the medical needs of patients.”

(Compiled by Xu Xiaoxue)