Stem-cell researcher Regeneus has a new acne product on the boil, announcing a successful trial of its zit-fighting gel, Sygenus.

Regeneus (ASX: RGS) said in a recent clinical trial with 33 adults, Sygenus was well-tolerated by the participants and showed a significant effect on the appearance of acne lesions as early as three weeks.

The product, which was applied twice daily over a six week period during the trial, is “a patented allogeneic cell secretions technology platform that comprises cytokines, growth factors and exosomes from adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells”.

In layperson terms, this means the gel contains only natural components that have been secreted from stem-cells, and uses no artificial or synthetic additives.

Regeneus CEO John Martin told Stockhead the gel works in three ways.

“First, it reduces redness and any swelling of the acne. Secondly, it works to reduce actual pain. And the third thing it does is to promote accelerated healing,” he said.

Regeneus's (ASX:RGS) shares over the past year.
Regeneus’s (ASX:RGS) shares over the past year.

Mr Martin said there has not been a lot of development in acne applications over the last 10 years, and traditional treatments focused on drying, causing detriment to the skin.

(A number of ASX-listed cannabis plays are focused on acne treatment — at least three plan to release skincare balms this year based on either cannabidoil (CBD) or hemp oil extracts, according to Stockhead columnist Tim Boreham.)

Regeneus company secretary Sandra McIntosh added: “[Sygenus] is a natural anti-inflammatory. Stem cells produce secretions, and secretions reduce scarring naturally.”

Out damn spot

Regeneus thinks it’s not just pimply teens who stand to benefit from this stem cell secretion application. Eventually the product could be used to treat age-spots for older folk.

“There’s a lot of interest in how age spots can be affected [by Sygenus],” Mr Martin said. “Because, what are age spots but inflammatory processes in the skin.”

Beyond cosmetic uses, there are also therapeutic possibilities which include treatments for autoimmune and chronic skin conditions.

The company is now on the lookout for partners to take the technology further. Mr Martin said the next step will be to establish development pathways which will determine when to get the product to market.

“Part of that discussion will be whether the cosmetic route or therapeutic route is more appealing,” he said.

Regeneus has a market capitalisation of $21.93 million and has been listed on the ASX since September 2013. The shares ended Tuesday steady at 10.5c.