Pyoderma Gangrenosum (PG) is a rare and painful ulcerative skin condition, typically found on the lower extremities and trunk. It belongs to the category of neutrophilic dermatoses but despite its name, pyoderma gangrenosum is not caused by infection or gangrene. Pyogenic granuloma is often associated with other systemic diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid or polyarthritis and haematological disorders.
The pathogenesis of pyoderma gangrenosum is not fully understood. It is thought to involve genetic mutations, neutrophil dysfunction, and immune dysregulation (with proliferation of clonal T-cells, abnormal cytokine signaling by T cells and macrophages).
The diagnosis can be challenging and is made clinically after excluding other similar skin disorders.
There is no established standard treatment for PG. Basic approaches such as wound dressings, creams, and pain relief are used. Many off-label medications are deployed which include corticosteroids, tacrolimus, cyclosporine and biological drugs like anakinra and anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α drugs.
C5a is a key factor for neutrophil tissue infiltration and neutrophil activation which are believed to play a key amplifying role in PG. Therefore, C5a inhibition may be able to prevent neutrophil infiltration and activation in PG patients.
To learn more about our ongoing phase 3 trial for treating ulcerative pyoderma gangrenosum, please visit clinicaltrials.gov