Scientists Intrigued by Cream Designed to Make Old Scars Disappear

"This topical cream is meant to ameliorate the appearance of keloid scars by inhibiting lysyl oxidase, an enzyme important for tissue repair that causes collagen to "cross-link," giving rise to raised scars. For the study, a phase 1 clinical trial, the team took 50 people with older scars and divided them into several groups receiving either the new cream or a placebo, which they each applied for several months."

"People spend a bundle on hiding or removing old scars, from heavy makeup to laser skin-resurfacing treatments that cost thousands of dollars. They can use topical creams, too, but many products available over the counter don't do anything to lessen bumpy scars like keloids. Intriguingly, though, a team of Australian scientists has found early evidence that a new skin cream could possibly heal those raised scars."

A phase 1 clinical trial enrolled 50 people with older keloid scars who applied PXS-6302 or placebo for several months. PXS-6302 is a topical lysyl oxidase inhibitor designed to block collagen cross-linking that produces raised scar architecture. Treatment three times per week reduced lysyl oxidase activity by 66 percent and lowered hydroxyproline and total protein concentrations in scar biopsies compared with placebo. Molecular changes indicated a shift toward unscarred skin architecture. The ointment appeared to alter scar structure and was well tolerated in the trial. Further clinical testing is required to confirm aesthetic and functional benefits.

Read at Futurism