VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Every day in hospitals and nursing homes, people with limited mobility develop painful bedsores, commonly known as pressure ulcers. These wounds heal slowly and often recur in the same place. Researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Vancouver Coastal Health are now creating a plant-based topical gel that could help these chronic wounds heal faster, with increased durability and prevent recurrence.
Under the leadership of Dr. David Granville (Professor, UBC Faculty of Medicine) and Heather Mack (Executive Director, Vancouver Coastal Health), the project is funded through Genome British Columbia (Genome BC) Genesolve program with the support viDA Therapeutics Inc.. The team is working to develop natural compounds already approved by Health Canada into clinically ready treatments that can be moved more quickly from the laboratory to the hospital.
Addressing a growing health problem
“Non-healing wounds are a silent epidemic,” Dr. Granville said. “Patients may suffer for months with ulcers that never fully heal. And when they do, the healed wound is usually much weaker, making it prone to rupture or further injury. By using safe plant-derived compounds that block the enzyme responsible for this damage, we hope to restore the skin's ability to heal itself and help people recover permanently.”
Pressure ulcers are among the most common wounds encountered in healthcare. They develop when prolonged pressure on the skin, such as lying or sitting in one position for too long, interferes with blood flow and damages tissue. The resulting ulcers can cause severe pain, infection, and loss of independence, especially among older adults and people with limited mobility. British Columbia's aging population means these injuries are becoming an even greater problem for hospitals and nursing homes.
The Science Behind the Solution
Dr. Granville's laboratory discovered that a protein called Granzyme B, an enzyme that cuts other proteins like scissors, accumulates in aging skin and slow-healing wounds. As its levels rise, the enzyme eats away at key structural proteins in the skin and prevents healing. By blocking granzyme B with natural plant-derived compounds, researchers believe wounds heal faster and more completely, reducing the risk of reopening.
The team will test three Health Canada-approved compounds in topical gels using a standard pressure ulcer model. Their results will form the basis for clinical trials and future use in healthcare.
“Chronic wounds take a tremendous toll on patients, caregivers and the healthcare system,” said Dr. Heather Mack, executive director of professional practice and nursing education, Vancouver Coastal Health. “By combining clinical knowledge with discovery, we are moving towards practical solutions that can improve recovery and quality of life.”
Collaboration created in British Columbia
The project combines academic research, clinical experience and biotechnological innovation. ViDA Therapeutics, a Vancouver-based company founded by Dr. Granville and Alistair Duncan, shares its expertise in developing granzyme inhibitors to treat age-related and inflammatory conditions. The partners aim to translate these results into a scalable, process-ready gel that could be ready for physician-sponsored trials as early as 2027.
“This project embodies what our Genesolve program was created to do: turn cutting-edge discoveries into tangible health benefits,” said Dr. Federica Di Palma, chief scientific officer and vice president of research and innovation at Genome BC. “In this case, we bring real benefits to the health care system and patients.”
About Genesolve
Genome BC's Genesolve program supports translational research that bridges discoveries and applications in British Columbia's life sciences sector. By bringing together researchers, healthcare providers and industry partners, Genesolve is accelerating the development of genomic innovations that make a real impact.
ABOUT British Columbia genome:
Genome BC is a not-for-profit organization that has been advancing genomics research and innovation for 25 years, developing a world-class life sciences sector in British Columbia and delivering sustainable benefits to British Columbia, Canada and beyond. Genome BC has brought more than $1.1 billion in direct co-investment to the province, helping to fund more than 600 genomics research and innovation projects. These initiatives improve health care and address environmental and natural resource issues, improving the lives of British Columbians. Genome BC also integrates genomics into society by supporting responsible research and innovation, and promoting understanding and appreciation of the life sciences among educators, students and the public. www.genomebc.ca
Contact:
Brad Lyle, Communications Manager, Genome BC
[email protected]
778.999.8195
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