Provectus Biopharma to Present Rose Bengal Sodium for Full-Thickness Wounds at SID 2024

Provectus Biopharmaceuticals Inc. (Provectus) recently unveiled non-clinical data on its proprietary rose bengal sodium (RBS) ingredient for treating full-thickness cutaneous wounds. This data was presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Investigative Dermatology (SID) in Dallas, Texas.

The research, spearheaded by Dr. Amina El Ayadi, Assistant Professor at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (UTMB), was conducted by the Burn, Trauma, and Critical Care Research Laboratory within the Department of Surgery. The findings indicated several significant benefits of RBS when applied to full-thickness wounds.

The UTMB study revealed that the application of 0.01% RBS every other day led to no toxicity, no mortality, and no adverse effects, even at the highest tested dose. Furthermore, there was no loss in body weight or abnormalities in organs observed in the study subjects.

Key highlights of the research included a notable reduction in transepidermal water loss by day 14, pointing to enhanced skin barrier functionality. Additionally, there was increased erythema at seven days, signifying elevated blood flow and granulation tissue formation, which are crucial for wound healing. Increased vascularity between days three and seven supported the pro-angiogenic activity necessary for wound closure.

The RBS treatment accelerated wound closure, with significant differences observed as early as day three. By days seven and 14, there was increased collagen density, aiding in wound remodeling and tissue regeneration. After wound closure at day 14, there was a reduction in angiogenesis, beneficial for preventing fibrosis.

Provectus Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company that focuses on developing immunotherapy treatments for various diseases through halogenated xanthenes, a class of synthetic small molecule immuno-catalysts. Their lead molecule, rose bengal sodium, is a cornerstone of their medical science platform, which spans various clinical development programs in oncology, dermatology, and ophthalmology. They also engage in proof-of-concept in vivo programs for oncology, hematology, wound healing, and canine cancers, along with in vitro discovery programs in infectious diseases, tissue regeneration, repair, and proprietary targets.

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston has a historical significance dating back to the Texas City Disaster of 1947, the deadliest industrial accident in U.S. history. This incident spurred UTMB clinicians and researchers to develop innovative treatments for massive burns, focusing on improving survival rates, reducing scar formation, and accelerating recovery. The Department of Surgery at UTMB is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a dedicated cell culture suite, confocal microscope, flow cytometer, Comprehensive Lab Animal Monitoring System, and a bioprinter for 3D cell culture.

The promising findings from the research on rose bengal sodium highlight its potential as an effective topical treatment for full-thickness cutaneous wounds, showcasing its ability to enhance wound healing, improve skin barrier function, and support tissue regeneration without adverse effects. These advancements reflect Provectus’s continued commitment to pioneering innovative treatments in the field of wound care and other critical medical areas.