Growth factor mediated cosmeceuticals and use thereof to enhance skin quality

Abstract

It has been discovered that vascular endothelial growth factor (“VEGF”) promotes migration of activated (but not differentiating) keratinocytes to skin. This growth factor specifically increases migration of keratinocytes of the “wounded skin” phenotype but does not have significant effects upon differentiated keratinocytes. It also increases collagen deposition and reduces wrinkles, enhances skin quality, and increases skin thickness to normal levels in individuals where skin has thinned due to age or disorder such as diabetes. It is particularly well suited for use as cosmeceuticals when applied in purified form and in known amounts. The data presented in the examples demonstrate efficacy and specificity of VEGF in enhancing migration of normal human keratinocytes as well as formation of new granulation tissue including collagen formation. VEGF induces keratinocyte and fibroblast migration, formation of new tissue, and not only induces deposition of collagen but improves alignment of the collagen fibers. Accordingly, this growth factor is highly suitable for use as a cosmeceutical, especially for skin resurfacing and reduction in wrinkles.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 895,942, filed Mar. 20, 2007.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention is a cosmeceutical formulation containing VEGF, and methods of use thereof to improve skin quality, for example skin quality decreased by diabetes or aging.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Current popular methods to treat facial signs of aging are many and very limited. The popular BOTOX® Cosmetic-with 3.3 million people receiving treatment last year-works by using a low dose of a potent toxin to temporarily paralyze the muscles surrounding the wrinkles, thus smoothing their appearance. However it is limited. Popular ingredients such as alpha-hydroxy acids and retinols can cause the skin to dry and tighten, which could worsen the appearance of wrinkles. Collagen injections can trigger allergic reactions or yield uneven results.[0004]Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), is known...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013]It has been discovered that vascular endothelial growth factor (“VEGF”) promotes migration of activated (but not differentiating) keratinocytes to skin. This growth factor specifically increases migration of keratinocytes of the “wounded skin” phenotype but does not have significant effects upon differentiated keratinocytes. It also increases collagen deposition and reduces wrinkles, enhances skin quality, and increases skin thickness to normal levels in individuals where skin has thinned due to age or disorder such as diabetes. It is particularly well suited for use as cosmeceuticals when applied in purified form and in known amounts. The data presented in the examples demonstrate efficacy and specificity of VEGF in enhancing migration of normal human keratinocytes as well as formation of new granulation tissue including collagen formation. VEGF induces keratinocyte and fibroblast migration, formation of new tissue, and not only induces deposition of collagen but improves alignment of the collagen fibers. Accordingly, this growth factor is highly suitable for use as a cosmeceutical, especially for skin resurfacing and reduction in wrinkles.

[0014]Formulations and methods of use thereof are described. A preferred formulation is a sustained release formulation, most preferably in an easy to administer topical formulation which enhances prolonged delivery and uptake of the growth factor to the skin, or a gene therapy vector. In a preferred embodiment, the carrier includes a pH buffering or neutralizing agent. The formulations may be applied topically to the skin, or adjacent to the site where increased keratinocyte and collagen deposition is desired, or injected or implanted within a sponge or other materials for use as a bulking agent which forms tissue in place of the implant. The formulation provides an effective amount of the growth factor over the necessary time to improve the skin quality, form new tissue, or enhance healing. It has been discovered that there is no additional beneficial effect with using a mixture of growth factors and such a combination may be detrimental. The effects of VEGF are not dependent on angiogenesis.

Problems solved by technology

It has been discovered that there is no additional beneficial effect with using a mixture of growth factors and such a combination may be detrimental.

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