New Skin Rejuvenation Discovery Receives Commercial Backing

BOSTON, Nov. 4 /PRNewswire/ — Allied Minds funds research to reduce wrinkles by developing a natural replacement for artificial dermal fillers. Allied Minds, a seed investment firm specializing in early stage university business ventures, to fund new research with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory through creation of start-up company, ProGDerm, Inc. The research led by Doctors Eva Turley and Mina Bissell will develop a technology based on modulation of the RHAMM protein to induce the controlled generation of fat cells to replace those lost in the aging process. While researching the regulation of cell motility as it relates to the spread of cancer, it was discovered that modulating the RHAMM protein increases the deposition of subcutaneous fat while decreasing unhealthy visceral fat. This technique could provide a non-surgical approach to normalizing skin appearance after the aging process has caused wrinkles and folds and after reconstructive surgery.

This technology would replace the now commonly used artificial dermal fillers prescribed to alleviate the appearance of age related wrinkles. Current filler products are injected under the skin to replace volume lost with the decrease of subcutaneous fat that accompanies the aging process. These filler products however, are of short duration, can cause pain and bruising, require multiple treatments, and often result in an unnatural appearance. Modulating RHAMM proteins represents a natural process that has the potential to actually induce controllable re-growth of the patient’s own subcutaneous fat in targeted areas to help restore a youthful appearance without artificial dermal fillers.

The ProGDerm product will initially be administered via injection by trained professionals but has the potential to be delivered as a topical cream. The demand for cosmeceuticals – loosely defined as cosmetic products that have medicinal or drug-like benefits – is rapidly increasing particularly within the skin care segment. “There is a vibrant marketplace for the next generation of dermal products. We look forward to entering this exciting new phase with Dr. Turley and Dr. Bissell,” says Allied Minds CEO, Chris Silva.

About Allied Minds, Inc.

Allied Minds, Inc. is the premiere seed organization for early-stage technology. We focus on converting academic discoveries into commercial reality by working exclusively with a network of U.S. universities and national labs. By filling the gap between government grants and traditional venture capitalists, Allied Minds focuses on funding innovations with significant transformative potential. Instead of managing funds, we foster early-stage companies through to success, generating value for all stakeholders. We have a nationwide footprint with offices in Boston, Seattle, Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles, and a European presence in London, United Kingdom. For more information, logon to http://www.alliedminds.com/.

About Lawrence Berkeley National Lab

Berkeley Lab is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory located in Berkeley, California. It conducts unclassified scientific research and is managed by the University of California. Visit the Lab website at http://www.lbl.gov/.

Allied Minds, Inc.

CONTACT: Erick Rabins, Vice President, Allied Minds, Inc.,+1-206-335-9707, [email protected]

Web Site: http://www.alliedminds.com/