NGF 1-14 Peptide Topical Composition for Skin Repigmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current therapies for skin dyschromia and skin de-innervation diseases, such as vitiligo and herpes, suffer from significant side effects and inefficiencies, including burns, erythema, and poor tolerability, while existing NGF treatments face challenges in achieving uniform repigmentation and nerve regeneration.

Innovation Solution

The use of a 14-amino acid NGF peptide (NGF 1-14) that activates melanin production and nerve regeneration, with variations allowing up to 16 amino acids and 85-95% sequence identity, formulated in topical compositions for improved skin tolerability and efficacy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If narrow-band phototherapy (NB-UVB) is used to treat vitiligo, then repigmentation is achieved in 63% of cases with greater than 75% repigmentation, but acute undesirable effects such as itching, erythema, burns, and xerosis occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverepigmentation efficacyVSAvoidskin side effects

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and utilizes NGF and its receptor components to create a targeted therapeutic approach that specifically addresses melanocyte function and nerve regeneration without the broad-spectrum effects of phototherapy, thereby achieving repigmentation without associated skin damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs NGF as a mediator that acts through specific receptors (trkA, p75) to stimulate melanocyte proliferation and nerve regeneration, providing a more selective and controllable mechanism compared to the non-specific cellular effects of UVB radiation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If corticosteroids are administered to treat skin dyschromia, then anti-inflammatory effects are achieved, but treatment cannot be prolonged beyond 3 weeks due to significant side effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanti-inflammatory efficacyVSAvoidtreatment duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a peptide-based approach (NGF 1-14) that can be administered repeatedly over extended periods without the cumulative toxicity concerns of corticosteroids, enabling long-term treatment where short-term steroid therapy fails

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If whole protein NGF is used for treatment, then neurotrophic and neuropeptide effects are achieved, but production costs are high and uniformity of repigmentation is challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneurotrophic efficacyVSAvoidproduction cost and uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the NGF molecule into a specific peptide fragment (amino acids 1-14) that retains the essential bioactive functions while being simpler to synthesize, purify, and standardize, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the molecular parameter from full-length protein to a truncated peptide sequence, which maintains biological activity while improving manufacturability, stability, and batch-to-batch consistency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The NGF 1-14 peptide achieves more uniform and homogeneous repigmentation and increased nerve density in vivo, with enhanced tolerability and reduced production costs, outperforming whole protein treatments.

Implementation Method 1

NGF receptors are expressed on sensory nerves, keratinocytes, melanocytes, fibroblasts, hair follicles and various immune cells, playing an important role in skin homeostasis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReceptor binding:

Implementation Method 2

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a neurotrophic and neuropeptide factor primarily involved in regulating the growth, maintenance, proliferation and survival of certain target neurons

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNeurotrophic effect:

Implementation Method 3

Trka plays a key role in activating the signal transduction pathways that promote growth and survival

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal transduction:

Data Source

PatentEP4199952B1Peptide for therapeutic applications in the dermatological field

Publication Date: 2026.01.28 DOMPE FARMACEUTICI SPA

Figure 1

AI summary

The present invention relates to a peptide of 14 amino acids having the sequence ID No. 1 or peptide of up to 16 amino acids having a sequence with at least 85%, preferably at least 90%, and preferably at least 95% identity with sequence ID No. 1, or a derivative and/or salt thereof, capable of promoting skin pigmentation and/or innervation in skin dyschromia and/or de-innervation diseases. A pharmaceutical composition comprising such peptide and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient are a further object of the invention.