Growth-Factor-Derived Peptides for Stable Topical Skin Rejuvenation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dermatological formulations using full-length growth factors face challenges, and there is a need for effective methods and compositions to improve skin health and reduce signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines.

Innovation Solution

Development of peptides derived from human growth factors, specifically GDF11, TGFβ, CTGF, and PDGF, which are topically applied in compositions to stimulate collagen and hyaluronic acid production, reducing the appearance of aging signs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If full-length growth factors are used in topical formulations, then skin rejuvenation and collagen production are improved, but formulation stability and penetration efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskin rejuvenation efficacyVSAvoidformulation stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments full-length growth factors into smaller peptide fragments (e.g., GDF11 peptides of 3-15 amino acids, TGFβ peptides of 3-12 amino acids, CTGF peptides of 3-15 amino acids, PDGF peptides of 3-12 amino acids). This segmentation maintains the bioactive functionality while improving formulation stability and skin penetration capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts specific functional peptide sequences from full-length growth factors. These extracted peptides retain the essential bioactivity for stimulating collagen and hyaluronic acid production while eliminating the instability and poor penetration issues associated with complete growth factor proteins.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If full-length growth factors are used in topical formulations, then skin rejuvenation is improved, but molecular size and penetration ability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskin rejuvenation efficacyVSAvoidmolecular size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides large growth factor molecules into small peptide fragments ranging from 3 to 15 amino acids in length. This segmentation reduces molecular size dramatically while preserving the essential bioactive sequences that bind to receptors and trigger collagen and hyaluronic acid production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If peptides derived from growth factors are used, then formulation stability is improved, but biological activity may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveformulation stabilityVSAvoidbiological activity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent identifies and isolates specific local sequences within growth factors that are responsible for biological activity. These localized peptide sequences (e.g., specific 3-15 amino acid fragments from GDF11, TGFβ, CTGF, PDGF) maintain high biological activity for stimulating collagen and hyaluronic acid production while the rest of the protein structure is eliminated, improving stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3236992B1Peptides and their use in the treatment of skin

Publication Date: 2025.10.29 NATURA & CO UK HOLDINGS LTD

AI summary

Embodiments of the invention are related generally to the methods of diminishing the signs of aging in and/or improving health of human integuments, such as skin, and compositions comprising peptides useful therefor. The compositions according to the invention may comprise one or more peptides or fragments or derivatives thereof derived from a growth factor, e.g., Growth Differentiation Factor 11 (GDF11), in a topically acceptable vehicle.