Product Pipeline

PSA1: Melanoma Prevention

  • Seeking effect treatments of melanoma is very hot in current era of science and technology. However, prevention of melanoma has been neglected.
  • A natural amino acids made peptide, is a potent selective hMC1R agonist. It can be used effectively for melanoma prevention without any of side effects. Several other MC1R selective ligands invented and patented.
  • Skin lightening market: This involves millions of people, especially in Asia including Japan, Korea, and China that spend billions of dollars on cosmetics to lighten their skin. Thus it appears that a billion dollar market awaits development of such a product.
Mechanism of Action
  • Melanocyte stimulation hormones (MSH), also known as melanotropins are responsible for both skin and hair color.
  • The melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) is a protein that can bind to MSH, and is known to regulate pigmentation for the skin.
  • When MC1R is activated, it can trigger melanocytes to produce eumelanin, which is a type of melanin that can protect the skin from damage caused by UV radiation in sunlight.
  • The γ-MSH is one of a family of MSH hormones that are released by skin cells in response to the damaging rays of UV radiation and have higher affinity for MC1R.
  • PSA1 is a synthetic analog of γ-MSH modified to improve its properties (stability, selectivity and bioavailability).
  • PSA1 internally stimulates photo-protection of human skin, it provides a more effective path to UVR protection and cancer prevention than the protection currently available from commercial chemical sunscreens (lotions, sprays, etc.) and it does not rely on multi or daily reapplications.

PSA1: Skin cancer/Pigmentation

  • Potent, receptor selective, and specific and most efficacious ligand for the melancortin 1 receptor(MC1R)
  • Lead molecule has been identified
  • Deliverable to skin cells via topical or transdermal delivery
  • The molecule is made up of naturally occurring amino acids for stimulating melanin from within for photoprotection of human skin against ultraviolet radiation damage
  • Additional preclinical studies planned prior to filing IND within 1 year
Mechanism of Action
  • Melanocyte stimulation hormones (MSH), also known as melanotropins are responsible for both skin and hair color.
  • The melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) is a protein that can bind to MSH, and is known to regulate pigmentation for the skin.
  • When MC1R is activated, it can trigger melanocytes to produce eumelanin, which is a type of melanin that can protect the skin from damage caused by UV radiation in sunlight.
  • The γ-MSH is one of a family of MSH hormones that are released by skin cells in response to the damaging rays of UV radiation and have higher affinity for MC1R.
  • PSA1 is a synthetic analog of γ-MSH modified to improve its properties (stability, selectivity and bioavailability).
  • PSA1 internally stimulates photo-protection of human skin, it provides a more effective path to UVR protection and cancer prevention than the protection currently available from commercial chemical sunscreens (lotions, sprays, etc.) and it does not rely on multi or daily reapplications.

PSC1, PSC2, PSC3

Early stage/Skin care
  • Next generation wound healing peptide conjugates
  • Collagen replacement therapy can be used to treat conditions associated with the breakdown or loss of collagen.
  • Skin wrinkles can be treated by injecting highly purified collagen into the dermis.
  • Injection of collagen has also been used to soften scar tissue and create fuller lips.
  • Use of collagen from animal sources can cause allergic reactions such as redness, swelling, firmness, itching and, in rare instances, abscess formation.
Short Collagen Peptide Conjugates
  • Design short collagen-like peptides that are less than 100 amino acids and have improved skin care and related applications such as wound healing.
    Entered into collaboration with MIT.
  • Synthesis and characterization of collagen-peptides as well as conjugates of such peptides with anti-oxidant molecules including Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin B3, Resveratrol, oxy-resveratrol etc.
  • At least 10 variants will be made and lead molecule selection.
  • Development of appropriate formulations of designed compounds for possible skin care applications, preferably topical route.
  • Lipid vesicles, microspheres and nanoparticles will be considered.