Acne.org Products
Skin care clinic possibly pursuing Acell for acne scars:
http://www.hairsite.com/hair-loss/board_en...scasc-DESC.html
deliverance is at hand
I wonder how they would use it after laser, just dust the powder on and then maybe apply vaseline over? I'm sure they want to ask acell this question. It's kind of odd they haven't done their own experiments on scars already. They definitely need to make it into a gel and sell to skin care clinics, that would be cool.
I'm really interested to know how acell is going to work now. Maybe it doesn't absorb through closed skin and requires an opened wound. I hope not. But maybe it would work with any form of laser or abrasion which removes the epidermis E.g. fractional Co2 or dermabrassion.
I think using a home dermaroller e.g. 0.15mm would probably allow it to penetrate down to where it is needed, as the epidermis is the main enemy when it comes to absorbtion of topicals.
Sorry if this has already been disscussed i haven't read the whole thread.
Acell is ready to go ----->>>> http://www.hairsite.com/hair-loss/forum_entry-id-34732.html
Thanks Kirk, well fingers crossed this is the real deal now and one of us here can get our anxious fingers on some Acell 'magic'. I'm waiting with bated breath!
Has anyone actually called Acell regarding this as there has been no announcement? I may have to pick up the Batphone and give them a bell...
I e-mailed Dr. Badylak at the U. of Pitt who is doing research with ECM's and tissue regeneration. I got e-mails back from one of his colleagues. Here is what was said:
Dr. Badylaks-
Thank you so much for taking your time to read this. I have read some
articles about tissue regeneration, and also potential limb
regenerations for war vets. I have read that this is a powder aquired
from pigs which can be used to turn off the signal for scarring and
your body will instead produce healthy tissue. The reason I e-mail
you is because I suffer from acne scarring and was curious if
something like this could be used to my benefit.
I was thinking the scars could be cut out and then a powder or
whatever the substance is could be applied to achieve scarless
healing? I also read about an enzyme which is designed to eat away
scar tissue, and maybe this could be used as well for acne scar
victims. Your input on the possibilities of this would be very much
appreciated. Thank you so much.
Dear Stephen,
Thanks for your inquiry. I am a colleague of Dr. Stephen Badylak and I
am helping him deal with the massive influx of inquiries following the
recent publicity on the use of extracellular matrix
(ECM) to facilitate the regeneration of a finger tip.
ECM has been used extensively; it is estimated that 1,500,000 patients
have been treated with some form of ECM. The predominate form of ECM
is sheet material, and some of the most prevalent applications are
hernia repair, treatment of pressure ulcers, and orthopaedic
procedures, such as rotator cuff, etc.
The powdered form use in the fingertip regeneration is strictly
experimental and has only been used on two patients.
It should be noted that the two success stories to date involved the
loss of the fingertip-above the first knuckle, and the nail bed was
not destroyed. We have no expectations that the current ECM
technology can regenerate joints (knuckles) or nail beds. We have no
relevant experience on the treatment of scar using ECM.
Dr. Badylak is investigating other applications of ECM, but the most
advanced research that I am aware of on the mitigation of scar is
being done by Intercytex in England; see http://www.intercytex.com/
and look at their Valveta video.
I hope this introduction helps and thank you for your interest.
The best place to follow developments in this area is on our web site
at www.mirm.pitt.edu
John
John N. Murphy
Executive Director-McGowan Institute & Research Professor-Chemical
Engineering
Phone: 412-235-5155
Fax: 412-235-5290
Email: jmurphy@pitt.edu
I then wrote....
Mr. Murphy,
Thank you for your response. I am sorry to bother you again because I am sure you are busy. If research is being done to turn off scarring, like in the human fetus, then theoretically couldn't that be used on acne scars if the scar was cut out and then the wound from that cut could heal as new healthy skin instead of a scar? The thing about intercytex and other things is they are not getting rid of the scar tissue, only trying to elevate it, so it definetely is still obvious a scar is there. Thank you so much for your time.
and he replied....
Dear Stephen,
Your hypothesis may be correct, but at this time we do not have any data or applicable programs to accurately answer your question.
John
so it looks like there may be hope but the research needs to be done...
This article says there have been two acne-scar patients who have undergone vavelta treatment, and they give the treatment a 6.8 and 6.3 (out of a scale 1-10 with 10 being hightest; in a 6 month period).
But keep in mind that when fraxel came out they were giving high satisfactory rates with studies and experimental patients, yet fraxel isn't that great of a treatment.
I need to find a doctor to do this, I'm sick of having disgusting scars all over my body, I'd rather be covered in surgical scars than these damn acne scars.
The thing that sucks is that there is no doubt in my mind that this treatment will be available in 1-2 years, but what will kill us sufferers is the price. I'll be surprised if the recommend treatment'(s) is less than 15,000.
Here is what I recommend those who have some spare cash do in the next month. See a derm who knows about ACell and can distribute the powdered form (the doctor above may have been right about the powder though). Treat your scarring in an inconspicuous area on your body with some strong TCA Cross. Apply the powder mixed with some pure Emu oil from somewhere like Skin Biology. Cover with some medical grade dressings (waterproof preferably) and let it be for 5-7 days. This is my theoretical method of scar absolution. Try it at your own risk.
The thing that sucks is that there is no doubt in my mind that this treatment will be available in 1-2 years, but what will kill us sufferers is the price. I'll be surprised if the recommend treatment'(s) is less than 15,000.
I've heard rumor that one vial of pure ECM will run about $100. Forget recommended treatment with this product. Fact is, doctors are going to be too pussy to take your desires into consideration as always. Find a way to get the powder at all costs.
Here is what I recommend those who have some spare cash do in the next month. See a derm who knows about ACell and can distribute the powdered form (the doctor above may have been right about the powder though). Treat your scarring in an inconspicuous area on your body with some strong TCA Cross. Apply the powder mixed with some pure Emu oil from somewhere like Skin Biology. Cover with some medical grade dressings (waterproof preferably) and let it be for 5-7 days. This is my theoretical method of scar absolution. Try it at your own risk.
The thing that sucks is that there is no doubt in my mind that this treatment will be available in 1-2 years, but what will kill us sufferers is the price. I'll be surprised if the recommend treatment'(s) is less than 15,000.I've heard rumor that one vial of pure ECM will run about $100. Forget recommended treatment with this product. Fact is, doctors are going to be too pussy to take your desires into consideration as always. Find a way to get the powder at all costs.
Easier said than done. First it's a 1 in a 100 shot shot to find a derm educated in ACell. And what makes you think that a derm will have the ability to get his/her hands on the powder. Third, Acell is still in development, what if it can cause cancer, etc. Fourth, I doubt it's that cheap for a vial, I mean if this is suppose to be the holy grail of skin rejuvenation why would it be sold so cheap? Like lasers for example. To run a fraxel on someone's face for 20 minutes costs the derm virtually nothing, yet they charge 1200 a session.
But I really like your initiative approach. I really wish it was that easy, my friend.
from wikipedia
"For medical applications, the cells required are usually extracted from pig bladders, an easily accessible and relatively unused source. It is currently being used regularly to treat ulcers by closing the hole in the tissue that lines "
How hard would it be for a person to extract cells from a pig bladder?
A lot of doctors are going to be sceptical until they learn about ACell and how to apply it, and then they are then going to want to see what the results are... This is going to take a few months.
This product has worked extremely well in clinical trials and on animals, though, right?
From what I understand, ACell is used in sheet form, with the powder form being experimental? Perhaps it will come as a sheet that is placed over the cut out/or abraided area?
It shouldn't be extremely expensive. How many people would be able to afford it???
This is just the beginning of regenerative medicine... 
Any derm can potentially order this and then give it out with a prescription. Perhaps Bulgarian derm could dispense 
Maybe we could eventually get it from Canada drugs, lol.
I don't think mere powder will run thousands of dollars, it will be the doctor's visit, etc. that will be the expensive part. Unless pigs bladder is in short supply that is. I used to think this could potentially cause cancer too, but it is FDA approved, so maybe not that dangerous. I agree someone should start with some TCA on a scar that is not visible, maybe the back. Of course TCA can raise scars on it's own, but it will always be raising it with more scar tissue, and it will be very red for a long period of time. If the powder really works, I suspect it will not be as red and maybe not fill in real fast, but build back collagen over a few months.
I don't know if it is a joke, or what, but this site goes into specifics in terms of making the powder. It sounds easy, wish someone was very desperate enough to try.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/art...FOUR-weeks.html
Hey all this talk about acell, what about integra?
http://www.integra.mobi/products/?product=190
It says its capable of regenerating the dermis without scarring? How come no one mentioning it before?
http://www.locateadoc.com/articles.cfm/1843/1016
This article says that it used integra on burn victims who have severe scarring. They do it by removing the scar tissue and putting Integra over the wound, like how we are all envisioning that we will be able to do with acell. Suprisingly, this was back in 2002. But most probably the skin didnt heal back perfectly I guessed?
Ok u guys compare the regeneration of acell on the diabetic ulcer on the TED Talks. With this one using Integra. Im not too good at judging, but Integra looks quite promising too? Kirk what do u think about this? And guys? Opinions please.
(WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT!!!)
before:
http://www.podiatrytoday.com/PODTD/HTML/ph.../photo15258.htm
after: ( 6 weeks later )
http://www.podiatrytoday.com/PODTD/HTML/ph.../photo15259.htm
Hey all this talk about acell, what about integra?
http://www.integra.mobi/products/?product=190
It says its capable of regenerating the dermis without scarring? How come no one mentioning it before?
http://www.locateadoc.com/articles.cfm/1843/1016
This article says that it used integra on burn victims who have severe scarring. They do it by removing the scar tissue and putting Integra over the wound, like how we are all envisioning that we will be able to do with acell. Suprisingly, this was back in 2002. But most probably the skin didnt heal back perfectly I guessed?
Ok u guys compare the regeneration of acell on the diabetic ulcer on the TED Talks. With this one using Integra. Im not too good at judging, but Integra looks quite promising too? Kirk what do u think about this? And guys? Opinions please.
(WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT!!!)
before:
http://www.podiatrytoday.com/PODTD/HTML/ph.../photo15258.htm
after: ( 6 weeks later )
http://www.podiatrytoday.com/PODTD/HTML/ph.../photo15259.htm
It says its capable of regenerating the dermis without scarring?
The article says, 'No scar formation appeared in the histological specimens in the pivotal trial1.'
And this was as early as 1990: 1.Stern R. McPherson M, Longaker,MT. Histologic study of artificial skin used in the treatment of full thickness thermal injury. J Burn Rehabil. 1990; 11:7-13
<<<<----- A good citation to note down somewhere, along with Kat etc.
Ok u guys compare the regeneration of acell on the diabetic ulcer on the TED Talks. With this one using Integra. Im not too good at judging, but Integra looks quite promising too? Kirk what do u think about this? And guys? Opinions please.
My opinion is that the first wound looks painful. However I would like to see what it looks like sealed, though if you look at it, the skin that is sealing, there doesn't seem to be much scarring on what looks like a prolonged injury. I wonder what the history of the wound is? Has it been hard to heal for a long time etc.
It also suspiciously looks like a similar foot to the one on ted talks with the toes missing etc.
It is not as good as the ulcer on ted talks which was a problem ulcer that completely closed, IMO.
Also the time period of 6weeks and it hasn't healed I wonder how long the ted talks one took?
Tgan, This information about Integra is very, very interesting. I wonder why we haven't heard anything about it before. It hasn't gotten any media coverage, and as far as any of us know, it hasn't been offered by any plastic surgeons for scar revision.
On the website it said that only 1,000 people have been treated with this product so far so it must still be very new...
As far as any of us know, there aren't any matrix/scaffold sheet tissue regeneration products being offered to the general public for scars and burns yet, am I right???
But there are more companies than just ACell working on tissue regeneration. It seems like they are all slowly coming out around the same time. And this is just the beginning.
Tgan, This information about Integra is very, very interesting. I wonder why we haven't heard anything about it before. It hasn't gotten any media coverage, and as far as any of us know, it hasn't been offered by any plastic surgeons for scar revision.
On the website it said that only 1,000 people have been treated with this product so far so it must still be very new...
As far as any of us know, there aren't any matrix/scaffold sheet tissue regeneration products being offered to the general public for scars and burns yet, am I right???
But there are more companies than just ACell working on tissue regeneration. It seems like they are all slowly coming out around the same time. And this is just the beginning.
Integra has been mentioned before on this board briefly and I've probably documented it; I'm definately documenting the page Tgan shown.
January31 look at post 389.
Regarding ecm matrix material, currently I want 'pure ecm' skillfully applied on any of my future wounds.
What I've wondered about is that it's likely that the scar has to be "reinjured" in order to for the ecm to work, but my question is, can't reinjuring the skin hyperpigment the face if you're a type iv fitzgerald skin type? Or do many think that the ecm will restore the proper pigmentation as well filling the scar?
Dear Stephen,
Thanks for your inquiry. I am a colleague of Dr. Stephen Badylak and I am helping him deal with the massive influx of inquiries following the recent publicity on the use of extracellular matrix
(ECM) to facilitate the regeneration of a finger tip.
ECM has been used extensively; it is estimated that 1,500,000 patients have been treated with some form of ECM. The predominate form of ECM is sheet material, and some of the most prevalent applications are hernia repair, treatment of pressure ulcers, and orthopaedic procedures, such as rotator cuff, etc.
The powdered form use in the fingertip regeneration is strictly experimental and has only been used on two patients. It should be noted that the two success stories to date involved the loss of the fingertip-above the first knuckle, and the nail bed was not destroyed. We have no expectations that the current ECM technology can regenerate joints (knuckles) or nail beds. We have no relevant experience on the treatment of scar using ECM. Dr. Badylak is investigating other applications of ECM, but the most advanced research that I am aware of on the mitigation of scar is being done by Intercytex in England; see http://www.intercytex.com/ and look at their Valveta video.
I hope this introduction helps and thank you for your interest.
The best place to follow developments in this area is on our web site
at www.mirm.pitt.edu
John
John N. Murphy
Executive Director-McGowan Institute & Research Professor-Chemical
Engineering
Phone: 412-235-5155
Fax: 412-235-5290
Email: jmurphy@pitt.edu
and he replied....
Dear Stephen,
Your hypothesis may be correct, but at this time we do not have any data or applicable programs to accurately answer your question.
John
It seems a lot of people here are so excited about Acell that they don't read previous posts in this thread.
SW Cub has kindly posted his/her communication with an Acell representative and from what I deduce of Acell's reaction to using their ECM technology for scarless healing it seems the product is not suitable for us scar sufferers. Firstly he plays down the ability of Acell to regenerate joints/nail beds: "We have NO expectations" are pretty powerful words, which is highly surprising given the amount of media coverage and quotes from Dr. Badylak indicating the opposite.
Secondly, he says "we have NO relevant experience on the treatment of scar using ECM". If Acell's primary function is to turn off the body's emergency healing method of scarring, as indicated by Dr. Badylak previously, then surely the first and most simple test the Acell team would have tried would have been with scar revision; clearly they have not.
Furthermore, the above Acell rep goes on to even promote Intercytex's product Valveta, an entirely different company to Acell, as "the most advanced research" that he is aware of on the mitigation of scar! From this it clearly shows that Acell (or this Acell rep) don't know too much about what is currently happening in scar research. Valveta is not even a scarless healing product and it is Renovo's Juvista that is at the most advanced stage of development.
Dear oh Dear is all I have to say! I have now become very pessimistic; it seems Acell is like several other companies that exploit all the media coverage they are getting to raise their profile and hope to gain more funding. I have virtually given up hope of Acell being an elixir for scar sufferers and it is no wonder Acell have not done any clinical trials in humans.
Thanks anyway to SW Cub for posting those emails though.
EDIT: Apparently a doctor in Toronto (Dr. Jones) has managed to obtain some Acell and will test it's anti-scar potential on patients who have hair transplant scar strips. Let's see his results: http://www.hairsite.com/hair-loss/board_en...category-0.html