Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Sets New Standard With Landmark Gene Therapy Surgery for Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa

Jan. 30, 2026

Palo Alto, CA—Physicians at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health have achieved a breakthrough in the treatment of epidermolysis bullosa (EB) through a pioneering surgical procedure utilizing gene therapy skin grafts. This innovative intervention offers new hope for patients with this painful genetic skin disorder, marked by fragile, blistering skin that can lead to severe complications from infancy.

The surgical procedure performed in December 2025 represents a significant advancement for EB treatment. By employing cutting-edge gene editing technology, developed over years of dedicated research and clinical testing at Stanford Medicine, the team implemented an FDA-approved gene therapy (called Zevaskyn) for the first time outside a clinical study.

“We are thrilled to deliver this revolutionary treatment for recessive dystrophic EB patients who desperately need it,” said Joyce Teng, MD, PhD, professor of dermatology and director of pediatric dermatology. “This is not just a medical milestone; it embodies our commitment to transforming clinical care for genetic disorders through innovation. This new treatment alleviates the relentless burden on EB patients, redefining the standards of care with precision medicine and offering a brighter future.”

The therapy is grounded in a sophisticated process where the patient’s own skin cells are biopsied and genetically modified in a laboratory to produce collagen VII, a critical protein for skin adhesion and integrity. These genetically corrected cells are then grown in a lab and surgically grafted onto the patients to help wound healing.  

The procedure lays the groundwork for future treatments and symbolizes the culmination of two decades of research from the Department of Dermatology. Stanford led the phase I–phase III clinical trials that showed the therapy’s tremendous potential to heal wounds, reduce wound pain and itching, and fundamentally address underlying causes of the most severe form of EB.

“With our novel gene therapy skin grafts, we have not only successfully treated the hardest-to-heal wounds, which are usually the most painful for these patients, but are signaling a new era in treating EB, offering hope and healing that was once unimaginable,” said Jean Tang, MD, PhD, a professor of dermatology who helped lead the research and treats children with EB at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford.

“For all the patients, families, scientists, physicians, and nurses involved in the long and challenging research journey, this is truly a dream come true, heralding a future where genetic solutions provide lasting relief for this severe disease.”

Stanford Medicine, through this groundbreaking advancement, continues to lead global efforts in transforming care for genetic dermatologic conditions, establishing new paradigms for healing.

Media Contact

Erin Digitale, PhD
Senior Science Writer, Stanford Medicine Children's Health
digitale@stanford.edu
(530) 400-1519