Azitra has reported results from two ex vivo human skin tissue studies evaluating the distribution and potential anti-wrinkle effects of its ATR-COSF cosmetic program.
ATR-COSF uses supernatant derived from a strain of Staphylococcus epidermidis engineered to secrete a functional domain of human filaggrin, a protein that plays an important role in maintaining the skin barrier.
In the first study, researchers assessed the penetration and distribution of recombinant human filaggrin domain, or rHDfilaggrin, using fresh, healthy human skin explants. The tissue was initially stimulated with TH2 cytokines to reduce endogenous filaggrin levels, making it easier to distinguish and detect the applied rHDfilaggrin.
A hydrogel formulation containing 2% lyophilized supernatant delivered rHDfilaggrin through the stratum corneum and into the stratum granulosum. Penetration into the middle and lower portions of the stratum corneum was detected after a single application, while repeated applications increased the amount of rHDfilaggrin observed.
Azitra said the formulated hydrogel produced higher concentrations in both skin layers than concentrated supernatant alone. Safety testing conducted under standardized guidelines also found that the 2% formulation was non-irritating and non-corrosive to the skin and eyes.
The second study examined whether the formulation could improve skin elasticity, a characteristic associated with firmness and the appearance of wrinkles. Researchers applied hydrogels containing between 0% and 7.5% lyophilized rHDfilaggrin supernatant to defatted human skin explants and measured elasticity 20 hours later.
The active formulation increased elasticity in a dose-dependent manner, with the smallest and largest effects recorded at concentrations of 0.09% and 7.5%, respectively. A formulation containing 0.28% active ingredient restored elasticity in ex vivo abdominoplasty skin to levels historically observed in healthy skin, according to the company.
Azitra added that active-treated tissue demonstrated approximately twice the elasticity of placebo-treated samples. The findings support ATR-COSF’s potential development as a cosmetic ingredient designed to improve skin firmness, resilience and the appearance of wrinkles.
However, the results were obtained from laboratory-based human tissue models rather than clinical trials in people, and further testing will be required to establish the product’s real-world cosmetic benefits.
