Topical NGF Preparation for Skin Repigmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for vitiligo and other hypopigmentary disorders, such as self-tanning products and PUVA therapy, have limitations including non-uniform color, unpleasant odors, and limited effectiveness in achieving long-term skin re-pigmentation, while existing therapies like corticosteroids and UV irradiation may not provide sustainable results.

Innovation Solution

A topical preparation containing Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) is applied to the skin, which increases skin pigmentation by stimulating melanocytes and enhancing nerve endings, allowing for re-pigmentation of de-pigmented areas without the need for UV exposure, and can be used for both therapeutic and cosmetic purposes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If self-tanning products (DHA) are used to darken skin without sun exposure, then skin pigmentation is increased, but the color becomes non-uniform and stains clothes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskin pigmentationVSAvoidcolor uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical self-tanning agents (DHA) with a biological mechanism using NGF to stimulate melanocytes. This substitution transforms the approach from external chemical coloring to internal biological pigment production, thereby achieving uniform color distribution without the staining and non-uniformity problems of chemical tanners.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If corticosteroids and UV irradiation are used to treat vitiligo, then skin re-pigmentation is achieved, but the results are not sustainable and may cause harmful effects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvere-pigmentation effectivenessVSAvoidside effects
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs NGF to activate the skin's own melanocytes to produce melanin endogenously. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external UV irradiation or corticosteroids, providing sustainable re-pigmentation results without the harmful side effects associated with conventional treatments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Illumination intensity

If chemical self-tanning agents are applied to achieve tanning effect, then skin color is darkened, but unpleasant odors and clothing stains occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskin colorVSAvoidunpleasant odor and stains
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes chemical self-tanning agents with a biological approach using NGF to stimulate melanin production. This replacement eliminates the unpleasant odors and clothing stains inherent to chemical products like DHA, while achieving natural-looking skin pigmentation through endogenous melanin synthesis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 topical NGF preparation effectively increases skin pigmentation in both healthy and affected areas, as demonstrated by improved melanin content and skin sensitivity in clinical trials, with no reported side effects, and shows potential as a self-tanning agent.

Implementation Method 1

The color of the skin is determined by the amount of melanin produced by melanocytes... It is possible to stimulate pigmentation of the skin by modifying the above-mentioned mechanisms

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelanogenesis stimulation:

Implementation Method 2

The topical NGF preparation effectively increases skin pigmentation in both healthy and affected areas, as demonstrated by improved melanin content and skin sensitivity in clinical trials

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNeurotrophic effect:

Data Source

PatentEP2773318B1Topical preparation containing NGF for inducing skin pigmentation and for the treatment of cutaneous dyschromias and vitiligo
Publication Date: 2019.08.07 BIOMED VENTURE S R L SOC UNIPERSONALE

AI summary

The invention relates to a preparation and to a method for inducing, enhancing or accelerating the skin pigmentation, both for mere cosmetic purposes and for therapeutic purposes, for the therapy and/or prophylaxis of dischromic pathologies of the skin. The method is based on the application of a topical skin preparation containing NGF (Nerve Growth Factor), so as to obtain an intensification of the skin color or the re-pigmentation of de¬ pigmented epidermal areas following vitiligo or other hypopigmentary skin diseases. The preparation of NGF and the connected method can also be used in combination with other therapies known for the treatment of skin discoloration, such as the application of topical corticosteroids, activated vitamin D and/or activated vitamin D3, or phototherapy alone or in combination with photosensitizing agents, in particular psoralens.