[ACCESSWIRE]
IRVINE, CA / ACCESSWIRE / April 18, 2018 / New York-based medical device company Clerisy Corporation has partnered with the University of California, Irvine (UCI) researchers to commercialize a novel peptide drug for wound healing and cosmetic applications. Clerisy Corporation was granted an exclusive option to commercialize the peptide by UCI Applied Innovation, which manages the licensing of UCI inventions.
The peptide is composed of all-natural amino acids, two of which are linked together to make a circle, which helps stabilize the peptide in the body. The peptide, called P12-3A, blocks the breakdown of insulin by an enzyme that breaks down insulin present in wound fluid.
"There is nothing currently on the market that works in the unique way this novel peptide does," said Malcolm Leissring, Ph.D., research associate professor at UCI's Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders (UCI MIND) and lead author on the publication describing the discovery.
The researchers' publication, "Peptidic inhibitors of insulin-degrading enzyme with potential for dermatological applications discovered via phage display" describes the discovery and functionality of P12-3A and demonstrates how it boosts insulin signaling by blocking insulin degradation. The peptide can be applied as an alternative approach to boosting insulin signaling that avoids inherent risks associated with topical insulin wound management.
The peptide is most ideal for treating moist wounds, or wounds that have not yet scabbed, and was shown in the study to promote collagen production, the growth and migration of cells, and other processes involved in wound healing. Moist wound healing is considered the current standard of wound care, according to Dr. Leissring.
Clerisy Corporation, the exclusive optionee of P12-3A, plans testing of the peptide in micro-needling procedures as well as seeking Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for wound healing applications. UCI has filed a patent application on the peptide its use in various dermatological applications.
"Clerisy is very excited by the potential global applications of this peptide to address anti-aging segments of cosmetic markets and also become an effective aid for wound healing," said Ross Lyndon-James, chief executive officer of Clerisy Corporation.
The peptide will find immediate use in a cosmetic procedure called micro-needling, which is a method of creating sterile uniform wounds in skin to stimulate collagen production, according to Dr. Leissring. Collagen is responsible for the creation of scars, however, micro-needling causes collagen to be stimulated uniformly, which has been shown to be effective in treatment for wrinkles, acne scars, stretch marks and other skin conditions.
"Our peptide acts by blocking the breakdown of insulin, which is critical for wound healing," said Caitlin Suire, first author on the study and a graduate student within the Department of Neurobiology and Behavior at UCI.
Clerisy Corporation and UCI will work in close collaboration to bring about a successful introduction of P12-3A to its target markets.
Clerisy is dedicated to developing revolutionary medical solutions for the healthcare and wellness industries. Clerisy's products include an FDA-approved and patented medical device with a unique mechanism of action utilizing the olfactory system, oral healthcare products for dry mouth sufferers, and OTC products for medical and pharmaceutical applications.
"We see P12-3A as a flagship product to expand into the aesthetic and plastic surgery industry, and it complements Clerisy's current product portfolio," said Lyndon-James.
About Clerisy Corporation
Headquartered in Rochester, NY, Clerisy Corp. formulates, manufactures, markets, and distributes NeuroNasal Strips™ for a wide variety of therapeutic applications to provide simple, safe, and effective solutions to manage and improve consumers' health and wellness. Founded by Dr. Mary Maida, the Clerisy team is driven to provide consumers with products to improve health, quality of life, and overall well-being in a wide range of therapeutic areas.
Clerisy Corporation Media Contact:
Rachel Fyffe, VP of Business Development
[email protected]
949-424-4742
About UCI Applied Innovation
UCI Applied Innovation brings campus-based discoveries together with Southern California's vibrant business community to support job creation and economic growth. To make this happen, UCI Applied Innovation facilitates connections between UCI and industry, including: entrepreneurs seeking access to university inventions and talent, large corporations looking to tap the school's research capabilities, and investors wanting to financially support promising new companies. Additionally, UCI Applied Innovation is cultivating an "innovation district" in the heart of Southern California to produce more start-ups, more scale-ups and, ultimately, a world-class entrepreneurial ecosystem.
UCI Applied Innovation Media Contact:
Ryan Mahar, Interim Director, Marketing and Communications
[email protected]
SOURCE: Clerisy Corporation
