Becaplermin
Clinical data
Trade namesRegranex
AHFS/Drugs.comConsumer Drug Information
MedlinePlusa699049
Routes of
administration		Topical
ATC code
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Becaplermin (brand name Regranex) is a cicatrizant, available as a topical gel. Regranex is a human platelet-derived growth factor indicated along with good wound care for the treatment of lower extremity diabetic neuropathic ulcers.[1] It is also known as "platelet-derived growth factor BB".[1]

Medical uses

The drug is used for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers.[2] Studies of becaplermin showed that when used with good wound care, complete healing significantly increased and the ulcers healed on average 6 weeks faster.[3] Pharmacoeconomic studies reinforce the cost effectiveness of becaplermin as an adjunct to good wound care.[4]

The amount of becaplermin to be applied will vary depending upon the size of the ulcer area. Becaplermin should be stored in the refrigerator.[1] Analysis of healing human wounds showed that PDGF-BB induces fibroblast proliferation and differentiation and was found to increase healing in patients with decreased healing capacity, such as people living with diabetes. [5]

Contraindications

Becaplermin must not be used at the site of a skin cancer.[6]

Adverse effects

The most common side effects in clinical studies were erythematous rashes.[6]

A boxed warning has been added to the safety label to describe an increase rate of death from cancer when three or more tubes are used.[7] Regranex should be used with caution in patients with known malignancy.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c d "REGRANEX Gel Highlights of Prescribing Information" (PDF). Smith & Nephew, Inc. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 August 2016.
  2. ^ Nagai MK, Embil JM (February 2002). "Becaplermin: recombinant platelet derived growth factor, a new treatment for healing diabetic foot ulcers". Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy. 2 (2): 211–8. doi:10.1517/14712598.2.2.211. PMID 11849120. S2CID 28408255.
  3. ^ Wieman TJ, Smiell JM, Su Y (May 1998). "Efficacy and safety of a topical gel formulation of recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB (becaplermin) in patients with chronic neuropathic diabetic ulcers. A phase III randomized placebo-controlled double-blind study". Diabetes Care. 21 (5): 822–7. doi:10.2337/diacare.21.5.822. PMID 9589248. S2CID 20595962.
  4. ^ Persson U, Willis M, Odegaard K, Apelqvist J (2000). "The cost-effectiveness of treating diabetic lower extremity ulcers with becaplermin (Regranex): a core model with an application using Swedish cost data". Value in Health. 3 (Suppl 1): 39–46. doi:10.1046/j.1524-4733.2000.36027.x. PMID 16464208.
  5. ^ Heldin CH, Westermark B. Mechanism of action and in vivo role of platelet-derived growth factor. Physiol Rev. 1999;79:1283-1316.
  6. ^ a b FDA Professional Drug Information for Regranex.
  7. ^ Waknine Y (9 June 2008). "Diabetic Ulcer Gel Gets Black Box Warning". Medscape.
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