MelanX topical methyl xanthine agent stimulates natural pigmentation; clinicals planned.
This article was originally published in The Rose Sheet
Executive Summary
MELANX TOPICAL METHYL XANTHINE PIGMENTATION AGENT PROVIDES "NATURAL TAN" without sun exposure by stimulating melanin production, Byran Fuller, PhD, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, said at the Drug Discovery Approaches for Developing Cosmeceuticals conference in East Rutherford, N.J. Jan. 29-31. Unlike conventional sunless tanning products that "stain" the top layer of the skin, the investigational MelanX topical agent MX-100 activates tyrosinase, the melanocyte enzyme responsible for manufacturing melanin, Fuller explained. The activated melanocytes produce large amounts of melanin in the epidermis, which are carried to the skin's surface by keratinocytes, resulting in increased skin pigmentation, he explained.