Summary of Clinical Use

Aclerastide was advanced to Phase 3clinical trial as a treatment for diabetic foot ulcers. Development was discontinued when the drug failed to meet the primary efficacy end- point (confirmed complete wound closure of the target ulcer within 12 weeks of the commencement of treatment). Study of wounds in diabetic mice suggested that aclerastide-induced production of reactive oxygen species in wounds promoted activation of MMP-9, a protease that is detrimental to the healing process [2].

Mechanism Of Action and Pharmacodynamic Effects

In animal studies histological examination reveals that topically delivered aclerastide increases collagen deposition and neoangiogenesis at the site of wounds, which leads to re-epithelialization and full skin regeneration [3]. This action may be the result of aclerastide-induced neutrophil and macrophage recruitment at the site of application.