Unmet Need
Globally, the anti-aging cosmetic treatment market is projected to grow to $57.5B dollars in 2020. Currently, one of the leading the leading topical ingredients in anti-aging creams for wrinkle reduction is retinoids, which are derivatives of vitamin A. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of retinoids, has been shown to help repair sun damaged skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. While retinoic acid benefits users by providing rejuvenated skin, this effect can take months to be visible and can be short-lived, particularly in certain formulations. Consequently, there is a need for novel approaches to improve the efficacy of retinoic acid in anti-aging applications.
Technology Overview
The inventors identified a novel mechanism of increasing retinoic acid accumulation in human keratinocytes and human skin explants, to improve regeneration. They determined that retinoic acid works synergistically with double stranded RNA (dsRNA) to promote skin rejuvenation. This works particularly well only in the sequential order of retinoic acid first and then dsRNA (and not vice versa).
Stage of Development
JHU researchers hope to commercialize a sequential combination therapy for combating the effects of skin aging.
Publications
D. Kim et. al, Nature Commun. 2019 June; 10(1): 2811.
Garza, et al. Semin Cell Dev Bio. 2020 Apr; 100:122-129
