Reggeborgh involved in pioneering research by Nederlandse Brandwonden Stichting
Every year, many people suffer burns. On average, about 900 people are involved in a serious burn accident and are admitted to one of the three specialised burn centres in Beverwijk, Rotterdam or Groningen. In addition, about 9,000 cases occur that, following burn injuries, are treated in A&E. And as many as 92,000 people report to their GP every year after sustaining a burn*. Needless to say, this brings a lot of suffering to those affected. Reason for Reggeborgh to support Professor Esther Middelkoop's groundbreaking research into growing patients’ own skin for skin grafts in severe burns.
Dr Mirre de Noo, managing director of Reggeborgh Medical: ‘Because our shareholder has seen the impact of severe burns from very close quarters, Reggeborgh is keen to contribute to the innovative research being conducted under the leadership of Professor Esther Middelkoop, with the aim of improving the quality of life of victims of severe burns. This research is a great addition to the other medical-scientific research we support as Reggeborgh.’
Professor Esther Middelkoop of the Brandwondenstichting research on patients’ own skin
The researchers are trying to grow the body's own cells from the epidermis and dermis, which are then added to an artificial skin. This technique, called tissue engineering, has the ultimate goal of being able to cover as large a burn wound surface as possible with as little of the patient's own skin as possible. This means fewer necessary surgeries and less visible scarring and pain.
* Source: Nederlandse Brandwonden Stichting