title: Discovery and development of avotermin (recombinant human transforming growth factor beta 3): a new class of prophylactic therapeutic for the improvement of scarring.
abstract: Scarring in the skin following surgery or trauma may be associated with adverse aesthetic, functional, growth and psychological effects, such that both physicians and patients regard it as important to minimize the appearance of scars. The prophylactic improvement of cutaneous scar appearance represents a significant opportunity to improve the well-being of patients. Human recombinant transforming growth factor beta 3 (avotermin) is the first in a new class of therapeutic agents to address this medical need. Herein we describe scar-free healing in early embryonic development, including the identification of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underpinning the scarring process. This understanding has led to the discovery of novel therapeutics such as transforming growth factor beta 3, which can be administered to improve scar appearance in human subjects through pharmacological action. We discuss the pioneering development of transforming growth factor beta 3 in this new therapeutic area showing how it has been possible to translate preclinical concepts into clinical application, namely the improvement of scar appearance following surgery.
authors.affiliation: Renovo, Manchester Core Technology Facility, Manchester, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Nick L
authors.initials: NL
authors.lastname: Occleston
authors.forename: Sharon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: O'Kane
authors.forename: Hugh G
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: Laverty
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cooper
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fairlamb
authors.forename: Tracey
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mason
authors.forename: Jim A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Bush
authors.forename: Mark W J
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Ferguson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000196:embryology / Q000473:pathology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D055808:Drug Discovery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000196:embryology / Q000473:pathology; D013997:Time Factors; D053782:Transforming Growth Factor beta3 / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; C509044:TGFB3 protein, human; D053782:Transforming Growth Factor beta3