In the United States, millions of people suffer from diabetic foot ulcers, a common complication of diabetes. These ulcers can lead to serious complications, including amputations, with up to 154,000 patients undergoing such procedures every year. Dr. Charles Zelen, an expert on the topic, explains that nearly half of patients who undergo lower extremity amputations due to diabetic foot ulcers do not survive more than five years, with certain demographics at higher risk.
Discovery Therapeutics Caribe, an American biotechnology company, has partnered with the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) in Havana to develop a new drug called Heberprot-P to treat diabetic foot ulcers. The company has received approval from government regulatory agencies in the United States to begin the final stage of clinical trials for the medication.
The potential impact of this drug is significant as it could save millions of lives and prevent countless amputations. Dr. David Armstrong, a prominent podiatric surgeon and researcher in diabetic foot ulcers, emphasizes the urgent need for treatments that can slow the progression of these ulcers and prevent amputations. The trial for Heberprot-P represents an exciting opportunity to offer new hope to those in need. While the timeline for the drug to become available in the US is uncertain, Discovery Therapeutics Caribe remains committed to completing the necessary testing and regulatory processes to bring this life-saving treatment to the public.