Tetrapeptide Derivative Composition for Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing skin whitening and anti-inflammatory compositions do not effectively address post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and often have cytotoxicity or skin irritation issues, failing to simultaneously inhibit melanin synthesis and inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-α.

Innovation Solution

A peptide derivative represented by Formula (I), such as R1-Pro-Lys-Glu-Lys-R2, with specific substituents, is designed to down-regulate α-MSH expression, inhibit melanin generation, and reduce IL-6 and TNF-α expression, formulated into cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If glucocorticoids or other compounds are used to control inflammatory reaction and inhibit melanin synthesis, then anti-inflammatory and whitening effects are achieved, but cytotoxicity and skin irritation occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-inflammatory and whitening effectivenessVSAvoidcytotoxicity and skin irritation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functional moieties into a single peptide derivative molecule: a melanogenesis-inhibiting group (arbutin, kojic acid, or ascorbic acid), an anti-inflammatory peptide sequence (Pro-Lys-Glu-Lys), and optionally a niacin or tranexamic acid component. This composite structure enables simultaneous anti-inflammatory and whitening effects while reducing cytotoxicity compared to using separate compounds

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges three distinct functional components into one integrated molecule: (1) the peptide sequence Pro-Lys-Glu-Lys for anti-inflammatory activity, (2) melanogenesis-inhibiting moieties (arbutin/kojic acid/ascorbic acid) for whitening, and (3) niacin or tranexamic acid for additional skin benefits. This consolidation achieves multiple therapeutic effects in a single compound with reduced side effects

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If single compounds are used for anti-inflammatory or melanin inhibition, then specific function is achieved, but comprehensive treatment of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of compound structureVSAvoidmulti-functionality for PIH treatment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The peptide derivative is designed with multi-functionality to address all aspects of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation: the Pro-Lys-Glu-Lys sequence provides anti-inflammatory activity, the arbutin/kojic acid/ascorbic acid moieties inhibit melanogenesis, and niacin/tranexamic acid components regulate melanin transport and provide antioxidant effects. A single compound thus performs multiple therapeutic functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

By integrating multiple functional groups into one peptide derivative structure, the invention creates a versatile agent that can simultaneously control inflammation, inhibit melanin synthesis, and regulate melanin distribution, making it suitable for comprehensive PIH treatment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Quantity of substance

If existing whitening compositions focus on inhibiting tyrosinase activity, then melanin production is reduced, but inflammatory cytokines are not suppressed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemelanin synthesis inhibitionVSAvoidinflammatory cytokine suppression
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The peptide derivative integrates melanogenesis-inhibiting moieties (arbutin, kojic acid, or ascorbic acid) with the anti-inflammatory peptide sequence Pro-Lys-Glu-Lys, creating a dual-function molecule that simultaneously reduces melanin production and suppresses inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-α

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges tyrosinase inhibition capability with anti-inflammatory activity in one molecule, where the arbutin/kojic acid/ascorbic acid components target melanin synthesis while the Pro-Lys-Glu-Lys sequence suppresses inflammatory responses, achieving comprehensive PIH treatment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4420654B1Tetrapeptide derivative, cosmetic composition or pharmaceutical composition and use thereof
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 SHENZHEN WINKEY TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • EP4420654B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4420654B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4420654B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A peptide derivative and a cosmetic composition or pharmaceutical composition and use thereof. The peptide derivative has the following general formula: R1-Pro-Lys-Glu-Lys-R2. The peptide derivative is obtained by means of covalent binding of niacin, tranexamic acid or kojic acid with a peptide, has the effects of relieving skin inflammation reaction and inhibiting melanin generation, and can be used in the fields of cosmetics or medicines for anti-inflammation as well as whitening and freckle-removing of skin, especially for improving post-inflammation hyperpigmentation.