Sterol Ester Topical Composition for Psoriasis Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for psoriasis, such as corticosteroids, anthralin, vitamin D derivatives, and coal tar, often lead to resistance, skin irritation, or unpleasant odors, and none are 100% effective or without adverse effects.
Innovation Solution
A topical composition comprising a C10-C30 carboxylic acid cholesterol/lanosterol ester mixture, combined with penetration enhancers, film-forming/polymeric agents, viscosity enhancing agents, antioxidants, and preservatives, applied as a salve, cream, or gel to psoriatic areas to manage psoriasis symptoms without irritation or unpleasant odors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If corticosteroids are applied topically to treat psoriasis, then inflammation is reduced, but patient develops resistance over time and use is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameter of the treatment by using a sterol ester (specifically cholesterol ester or lanosterol ester) instead of corticosteroids. This parameter change allows for sustained treatment without the resistance development that limits corticosteroid duration.
2Reliability
If anthralin is applied topically to slow skin cell production, then psoriasis symptoms are treated, but it stains patient's skin or clothing and does not work well on very active psoriasis outbreaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition from anthralin to a sterol ester formulation, which provides the therapeutic effect without the harmful staining property. The sterol ester maintains treatment effectiveness while eliminating the skin and clothing staining issue.
3Reliability
If vitamins D and/or A are applied topically to treat psoriasis, then skin cell production is slowed, but patient becomes sensitive to sun light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the active ingredient from vitamins D/A to a sterol ester, which provides the beneficial effect of slowing skin cell production without the adverse effect of increased sunlight sensitivity. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between effectiveness and sunlight safety.
4Reliability
If coal tar is applied to treat psoriasis, then symptoms are helped, but it has a strong and unpleasant odor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical substance from coal tar to a sterol ester, which provides the therapeutic benefit for psoriasis without the strong unpleasant odor associated with coal tar preparations.
5Reliability
If salicylic acid is applied to function as a peeling agent, then outer layer of skin sheds, but it causes irritation and/or hair loss if left on for extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the active agent from salicylic acid to a sterol ester formulation that provides the peeling and skin renewal effect without causing irritation or hair loss, even with extended contact time.
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 composition effectively treats psoriasis by promoting skin cell regulation and reducing inflammation, improving symptoms without the drawbacks of existing treatments, and can also be used for other skin disorders like eczema and sunburn.
Implementation Method 1
0.01 wt% to 15 wt% of a penetration enhancer
Data Source
AI summary
Topical composition for use in the treatment of psoriasis, wherein the composition comprises a C10-C30 carboxylic acid cholesterol/lanosterol mixture, a penetration enhancer, a film forming/polymeric agent and a viscosity enhancing agent, and wherein the treatment regime consists of a topical administration of the composition to a psoriatic area of a patient at least once a day.