The trial, which has already begun enrolling adult and child patients from across the UK, will take place at Walsall Manor Hospital. Participants with Netherton's Syndrome, a condition characterised by widespread red, scaly skin, brittle hair, allergies, and compromised immune systems, are travelling to Walsall to take part.
The research aims to evaluate a treatment specifically targeting the disease's symptoms. Dr James Halpern, Consultant Dermatologist for Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust and the Principal Investigator in Walsall, highlighted the lifelong impact of the condition. He described it as a 'really miserable condition to live with', noting that symptoms can lead to nutrient leakage in babies, failure to thrive, underweight stature, reduced height, and a significantly higher likelihood of developing allergies and severe infections.
“"We’re excited that Walsall has been chosen alongside St Thomas’ Hospital and Great Ormond Street Hospital to be one of only three sites in the UK recruiting for this pivotal clinical trial."
Dr Halpern added, "Walsall is one of only a few Dermatology units in the country with significant experience in managing this condition and we are passionate about offering this trial to as many participants as we can reach."
Currently, there is no licensed treatment or cure for Netherton's Syndrome, with patients relying on moisturisers that offer limited relief. "This is why it’s so vital that we conduct research into finding treatments that specifically target this disease so we can try and improve the quality of life for these patients," James stated.
Eligible patients will receive the investigational lotion for 12 weeks. If found beneficial, they may enter a longer-term follow-up study. The lotion contains a serine protease inhibitor, a natural ingredient often found in anti-ageing cosmetics, which in higher concentrations can replace essential skin proteins absent in Netherton's Syndrome.
Recruitment for the study is ongoing. Those interested in learning more about the research can email wht.walsall.research1@nhs.net.
