AVITA Medical, Inc. announced that preclinical data successfully established proof of concept in two key areas of cell-based gene therapy ­ skin rejuvenation and epidermolysis bullosa. In partnership with researchers at the Houston Methodist Research Institute (HMRI), preclinical data show successful regeneration of the skin by pairing AVITA Medical's proprietary Spray-On Skin Cells with HMRI's patented RNA technologies to reverse cellular aging. Personalized, cellular-level skin rejuvenation is an area of significant interest for consumers, with a total addressable market of $15 billion.

More than three million aesthetic procedures are performed annually in the U.S., with approximately one million people undergoing facial lifting and tightening procedures. In partnership with scientists at the Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, preclinical data show successful regeneration of skin from gene-modified skin cells to correct the mutation associated with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, a rare and incurable skin disorder caused by mutations in the gene encoding structural proteins, resulting in skin fragility and blistering. Epidermolysis bullosa can lead to chronic wounds and, in some sub-types, an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma or death.

There are no approved curative therapies, and current treatment is palliative, focused primarily on pain and nutritional management, itching relief, wound care and bandaging. As an orphan indication with 25,000-50,000 patients in the U.S., it is estimated that the current cost of palliative care ranges between $200,000-$500,000 per year per patient. The total addressable U.S. market is estimated at $850 million.