HSR Lab develops new keloid treatment using combination therapy

Researchers in the UCT Hair and Skin Research Laboratory (HSR) have developed a promising new method to treat keloid disease (KD), a challenging skin scarring condition resulting from dermal (skin) injuries in keloid-prone individuals.

KD scars are non-cancerous ill-defined dermal skin tumours with poorly defined treatment. Unlike typical scars, keloids do not naturally fade, and grow beyond the margin of the original wound, encroaching into nearby healthy skin. They are itchy and painful, particularly when inflamed, and can lead to physical impairment.

Keloids affect 16-20% of the darkly pigmented populations (of African, Asian and Hispanic descent), with lower incidence in less pigmented populations. In 2023, the global keloid market reached $3.8 billion (R69.7 billion), yet keloid treatment remains unsatisfactory. Thus, innovative medical interventions are needed for better patient outcomes.

Commonly affected areas include the sternum, earlobes, shoulders, upper arms and upper back. They are cosmetically unsightly, leading to psychosocial stress in patients. Current treatments for keloids, such as steroid injections, cryotherapy and surgical removal, often fall short – resulting in high recurrences (45 – 100%) – after surgery alone. The primary challenge in developing effective therapies has been

the absence of a suitable/validated study model (animal models), as keloids occur only in human skin, complicating research efforts.

The innovative approach taken by the HSR Lab involves using a targeted combination therapy designed to address uniquely identified keloid biomarkers. The treatment involves administering active compounds which are known for their role in inhibiting certain cellular processes.

This keloid technology is being protected by patents which are only a subset of the true value of the technology. Using their know-how and other keloid-specific reagents such as the immortalised keloid cell lines, the technology offers hope for more effective and reliable keloid treatments. This will address the limitations of current therapies and improve the quality of life for those affected by keloid disease.