Project Team

• Christian Sell, PhD, Department of Pathology, Drexel University College of Medicine
• Ibiyonu Lawrence, MD, Department of Internal Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine

Abstract

We envision our novel topical formulation of a FDA-approved drug to emerge as the gold standard in the treatment of aging skin. In low-doses, it has been shown in animal models to delay cell aging and improve late-life function. Our team has an ongoing clinical trial evaluating both the clinical and cellular effects of topical delivery of this drug. Preliminary results indicate that this novel application reduces markers of cellular aging in the dermis and improves clinical signs of aging. Our target market includes persons 40 years of age and older. Our customers are cosmetic distributor/buyers, consumers of antiaging products, and dermatologists. The key features of our product are its unique mechanism of action, ease of use, and excellent safety profile. Topical retinoids are the current gold standard for treatment of cutaneous aging. The advantages of our product over the retinoid class of agents include its direct effects on fibroblast function and senescence, lower side effect profile, and photostability. Through the proposed project, we hope to demonstrate and quantify clinical efficacy of the topical product and evaluate the clinical and cellular effects on the epidermis.