Histogen launches aesthetics biz

Skin-, hair- and nail-care products under development are built upon regenerative medicine company'sReGenica complex, extracted from proprietary bioreactor process in which newborn fibroblasts - connective tissue cells involved in wound healing - are grown under embryonic-like conditions. Composed of naturally secreted growth factors, antioxidants and other synergistic bio-products, Regenica was associated with improved overall skin condition, compared with control group, in 49-subject study when applied following an ablative cosmetic laser procedure. Follow-up studies are exploring the treatment's usefulness post-laser-resurfacing and in topical skin and hair anti-aging applications, firm says. "The market for next-generation, novel cosmeceuticals is rapidly evolving," notes Lawrence A. Rheins, Ph.D., president of new Histogen Aesthetics division. "There is a continuing need for adjunct palliative skin conditioning products for use following all sorts of minimally invasive cosmetic procedures ... by physicians engaged in aesthetic medicine." Histogen is optimistic that "robust controlled scientific data to support claims" will help it stand out from crowd. The Estee Lauder Companies/Allergan also made clinical validation a top priority in creating Clinique Medical skin care for patients undergoing non-surgical cosmetic procedures (1"The Rose Sheet" Oct. 20, 2008, p. 4)