UTMB Health Designated as First Qualified Treatment Center in Texas for Zevaskyn

Cell and gene therapy is a treatment for ultra-rare dermatologic disease, recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB)

The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB Health) has advanced to become the fourth Qualified Treatment Center (QTC) in the United States for Zevaskyn (prademagene zamikeracel) gene-modified cellular sheets, an FDA-approved gene therapy for a devastating and ultra-rare dermatologic disease, recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB).

Zevaskyn was developed and is manufactured by Abeona Therapeutics.

UTMB now joins Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, and Children's Hospital Colorado as national leaders in delivering this autologous cell sheet-based gene therapy.

To ensure success, UTMB has established a coordinated, project management office (PMO)-driven model that brings together leaders across pharmacy, managed care contracting, revenue cycle, supply chain, peri-operative operations, nursing operations, and key clinical service lines including dermatology, surgery, pediatrics, and anesthesiology.

"This centralized framework not only strengthens cross-departmental alignment and accountability but also creates opportunities for innovation within each clinical domain-ensuring that all specialty areas are ready to support and deliver advanced therapies with precision and safety," said Wayne Keathley, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the UTMB Health System.

"This achievement highlights what is possible when an amazing group of physicians, clinical pharmacists, and a supporting team of exceptional individuals is focused and committed to bringing the most innovative and transformative care available to our patients and community," Keathley said. "This is UTMB at its finest."

Keathley added that with decades of expertise in complex care delivery, nationally recognized dermatology and surgical programs, and a mission deeply rooted in advancing science for the benefit of patients, UTMB is uniquely positioned to serve as a treatment site-ensuring that individuals living with RDEB can access this first-of-its-kind therapy close to home.

The UTMB model addresses the complexity of onboarding innovative therapies by uniting all stakeholders under one playbook. This approach ensures speed to delivery that is unmatched by fragmented models at other institutions, while safeguarding patient safety through rigorous peri-operative and inpatient coordination.

It also provides financial sustainability by integrating payer engagement, reimbursement planning, and registry commitments upfront, while strategically aligning with UTMB's long-term academic and research mission, including participation in a 15-year patient registry that advances discovery and innovation. For pharmaceutical partners, the advantages of this approach will become clear-UTMB's centralized and coordinated system allows therapies to reach patients more quickly, without compromising safety or quality.

"UTMB's advancement as a Qualified Treatment Center represents a meaningful step forward for patients in Texas and across the Gulf Coast region," said Madhav Vasanthavada, Chief Commercial Officer of Abeona Therapeutics. "It is encouraging to see the thoughtful planning and investment UTMB has made, particularly the PMO-led coordination model to ensure that families affected by RDEB have timely and supported access to Zevaskyn. This commitment sets a strong example for expanding access to advanced therapies."