Juvista® (Avotermin) Scars after surgery or trauma can cause a significant degree of psychosocial distress for people. For centuries, surgeons have been searching for methods of reducing scars and optimizing healing, to reduce these effects. To date, we know that several technique related factors as well as post surgical factors can effect the quality of the final scar. A new drug called Avotermin (trade name Juvista®) is based on the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β family of cytokines. These growth factors play a critical role in the final appearance of scars, and this represents one of the first drugs based on growth factors that may make a real difference in scars. Renovo is a biopharmaceutical product company involved in in the discovery and development of drugs to reduce scarring. I have no relationship with the company whatsoever (I have nothing to disclose). The July edition of the Plastic Surgery Journal (the [Read more...]