Becaplermin gel in the treatment of diabetic neuropathic foot ulcers.

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Papanas N, Maltezos E

Becaplermin gel in the treatment of diabetic neuropathic foot ulcers.

Clin Interv Aging. 2008;3(2):233-40.

PubMed ID

18686746 [ View in PubMed

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Abstract

Diabetic foot ulcers remain a major cause of morbidity. Significant progress has been accomplished in ulcer healing by improved management of both ischemia and neuropathy in the diabetic foot. Nevertheless, there is a vital need for further improvement. Becaplermin gel represents an important therapeutic advance for diabetic neuropathic foot ulcers with adequate blood supply. Randomized controlled trials have shown that it is effective in increasing healing rates. However, this efficacy has not translated to positive clinical experience, and the drug is not widely used. Moreover, becaplermin is an expensive medication. Even though it has repeatedly been estimated as cost-effective, its high cost may be prohibitive for some clinicians, especially in developing countries. Clearly, further work is needed to clarify whether use of becaplermin is justified in everyday clinical practice. Future research also needs to assess the potential room for improvement with becaplermin, for instance by combination with other growth factors or by exploring alternative modes of drug delivery.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Drug Targets

Drug	Target	Kind	Organism	Pharmacological Action	Actions
Becaplermin	Platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta	Protein	Humans	Yes	Not Available	Details