Epidermal growth factor (EGF) produced by an excretory recombinant
approach was tested for its efficacy in treating various skin wounds. In
a randomized double blind controlled study, local cream samples prepared
with human EGF at a final concentration of as low as 0.02% (g/g) in
topically suitable carrier were found to have an enhancing effect on the
recovery of diabetes foot ulcers. This promotional effect is
statistically significant and has resulted in a reduced mean healing time
of over 3 weeks when compared with that of control. Both the 0.02% (g/g)
and 0.04% (g/g) human EGF supplemented samples in comparison with control
showed a trend of stimulatory effect when a recovery of 50% of an ulcer
was considered. The EGF samples were also shown to be highly effective in
promoting treatments of wounds resulting from bedsores and surgeries.