Abstract 131: Topical Focal Adhesion Kinase Inhibitor Promotes Skin Regeneration and Scar Prevention in a Preclinical Porcine Model

PURPOSE: Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) plays a pivotal role in transducing mechanical signals to cells during cutaneous wound repair resulting in increased fibrosis. We have previously shown that pharmacological inhibition of FAK signaling suppresses fibrotic cellular events and attenuates hypertrophic scar (HTS) formation following deep dermal injury. Clinical translation of FAK inhibitor (FAKI) therapy has been challenging, however, due to the lack of an effective localized drug delivery system especially for extensive burn and large-sized injuries. In our previous studies, pullulan-collagen hydrogel-mediated FAKI delivery to excisional and burn wounds accelerated healing and reduced HTS formation in mice. Here we evaluated the efficacy and safety of topical FAKI hydrogel therapy in a preclinical human-like large animal model