DEBRA Research GmbH, a global non-profit organization working to advance R&D for Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), and Dermaliq Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage dermatology company developing next-gen topical therapies, entered a strategic, non-exclusive collaboration to advance cutaneous drug delivery into the skin for EB. 

The companies will initially focus on improving wound-healing and anti-itch therapies, and developing prophylactic therapies for EB. As part of the agreement, DEBRA Research has also made a strategic investment in Dermaliq.

EB is a group of rare and painful genetic skin disorders characterized by extremely fragile skin, leading to blisters and wounds from even minor friction or trauma and is associated with morbidity and mortality over time due to chronic wounds, infections, and complications involving internal organs. It is caused by mutations in one or more genes that encode proteins responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the skin.  

Leveraging Dermaliq hyliQ technology, the company enables targeted delivery of active compounds into the skin without mechanical interference to fragile or wounded tissue. Applied touchless, hyliQ is designed specifically for conditions like EB, where the skin is exceptionally delicate and prone to blistering or damage from even minimal friction.