New highly specific inhibitor of microbial hyaluronate lyase as adjuvant in cosmetic or pharmaceutical formulations

Reference Number: TO 10-00045

 

The Challenge 
Microbial hyaluronate lyase, a long-neglected potential virulence determinant, is produced by various organisms as an extracellular enzyme. After being secreted hyaluronate lyase degrades progressively hyaluronic acid (HA) - a major component of the intercellular ground substance of human and animal connective tissue - into unsaturated disaccharides. Human tissues known to contain HA include blood, plasma, brain, articular cartilage, liver, synovial fluid, umbilical tissue, amniotic fluid, and last but not least skin. Hyaluronate lyases are produced by a variety of gram-positive organisms and are also associated with some gram-negative micro-organisms. These enzymes are variously proposed to have roles in providing nutrients for the cell and in pathogenesis. Once secreted the hyaluronate lyases stay active even when the producing bacteria could be successfully combated by antibiotics. Besides also bacteria belonging to the natural microbial skin flora produce hyaluronate lyase, which can result in enhanced skin aging.   

Technology

The invention relates to morin, a plant-derived flavonoid (3,5,7,2',4'-pentahydroxyflavone), as a new highly active inhibitor of microbial hyaluronate lyase and its use in cosmetic or pharmaceutical formulations. Besides its known antibiotic and antiinflammatory activities morin is a quasi-specific inhibitor of microbial hyaluronate lyase and by far the strongest one known. This makes it an ideal adjuvant to be used together with antimicrobial and/or antiparasitic agents as a component both of pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations as well as of medical products to counteract the damages to humans and animals caused by the microbial hyaluronate lyases.

Commercial Opportunity

Morin is useful as adjuvant for pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations. It can be produced cost-effectively by extraction from plant material for instance from mulberry bark. The technology is offered for in-licensing and/or cooperation and co-development.

Developmental Status

In-vitro data are available.

Patent Situation

An international patent application is pending (WO08034516).

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Kontakt:

Sabina Heim, Ph.D.
Technology Manager
Ascenion GmbH

T: +49 (0)531 6181 20-90
F: +49 (0)531 6181 20-98
heim@ascenion.de