Drug may speed skin healing

Scientists have found promising results from a drug that may help remove old damaged cells that build up in the body with age.  Early research suggests the treatment could help older skin heal wounds more quickly.

How does the drug work?

The drug, called ABT-263, targets cells known as senescent cells.  These are old or damaged cells that stop dividing but can remain in the body and affect how tissues repair themselves.

In a study published in Aging researchers from Boston University applied ABT-263 directly to the skin of 24 month old mice for five days.  They then studied how the animals’ skin responded to wounds.

Faster wound healing in older mice

The researchers found that ABT-263 reduced several markers linked to cellular aging in the skin.

Mice that received the treatment before their wounds were made also showed faster wound closure than the control group. These findings suggest that removing some senescent cells could help prepare aging skin to repair itself more effectively.

Could it help humans?

The results are interesting but the research is still at an early stage.  The main study was conducted in aged mice not humans. The treatment also caused a temporary inflammatory response in the skin.

More research and human clinical trials are needed to determine whether ABT-263 is safe and effective for treating wounds in people.

For now, ABT-263 should not be considered a proven treatment for wound healing in humans.