RXi Pharma begins consumer testing of new cosmetic ingredient RXI-231

RXi Pharmaceuticals has commenced its consumer / functional testing programme with new cosmetic ingredient RXI-231, which is being designed to decrease pigmentation and improve appearance of the skin.

The product is based on sd-rxRNA that targets the tyrosinase (TYR) enzyme, which is involved in melanin synthesis. Use and consumer acceptability of RXI-231 as a gel formulation will be assessed during the programme.

RXi Pharmaceuticals' chief development officer Dr Gerrit Dispersyn said: "This is an exciting opportunity for us to evaluate the capabilities of our technology for the use in the consumer care space. 

“We anticipate the duration of the combined studies under this programme to be approximately 3-4 months, enabling us to report results in Q4 of this year."

Of the total three studies included in the programme, two assessed the irritation and sensitisation potential of RXI-231’s gel formulation. RXi also noted that the gel is expected to improve the appearance of existing hyperpigmentation areas on the skin.

The third study will evaluate the product’s potential to improve the appearance of skin pigmentation caused due to ultraviolet (UV) exposure.

Results from the analysis of RXI-231 in three-dimensional (3D) reconstituted human epidermal culture initially showed a visible decrease in pigmentation, followed by reduction in melanin content in primary human melanocytes that lasted for a minimum of one week after a single dose.

The gel formulation is designed to facilitate penetration of the cosmetic ingredients into the skin layers where the melanin producing cells are present.

RXi manufactured a large batch of RXI-231 gel formulation for use in the consumer testing programme.