Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital Licenses Scar-Reducing Beauty Serum Technology for RMB 300,000
Recently, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine released the latest public notice on the transformation of scientific and technological achievements, proposing to transfer an invention patent—““A Scar- and Acne Mark-Removing Beauty Serum and Its Preparation Method and Application”Facilitate the translation of scientific and technological achievements. This patent pertains to a cosmetic formulation, primarily composed of a blend of various plant extracts and polymers. It is designed to inhibit the formation and proliferation of acne scars, while simultaneously softening existing old acne marks, and repairing telangiectasia (red blood streaks) and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation associated with acne marks. An important application direction for this cosmetic serum isAs the base solution for microneedling therapy, with the aim of enhancing the therapeutic efficacy for acne scars and improving patients’ treatment experience.
According to the public information, the project was appraised by Shanghai Kedong Asset Appraisal Co., Ltd., and subsequently listed for open licensing on the Shanghai Technology Exchange. The final agreed total licensing fee amounted to RMB300,000 yuan, to be paid by the Licensee in installments.
The inventors of this patent are several TCM surgery experts from Shanghai Rescue. Core membersLi YanChief Physician at the Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. Studied under Professor Li Bin, a successor of the Gu School lineage. Primary research focus is on the integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine treatment of acute and chronic dermatological conditions, including TCM surgical diseases such as acne, chloasma, scars, diabetic foot, pressure ulcers, and burns. Another core memberKui GangHe is an Associate Chief Physician at Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, a disciple of Professor Tang Hanjun, a renowned national veteran expert in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and the fifth-generation inheritor of the Gu School of Surgery within the Haipai TCM tradition.
Regrettably, in the same month that the patent application was filed—April 2022—Dr. Kuai Gang passed away unexpectedly due to a sudden illness.
The licensee in this transaction is Shanghai Yabaiyan Medical Technology Co., Ltd., which is primarily engaged in the research, development, and sales of collagen-based products and scar treatment series. Previously, the company has collaborated with Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital on multiple projects.
Image from the Yakubaiyan WeChat Official Account
Acne commonly affects the face, chest, and back. It is a perifollicular inflammatory skin disease caused by excessive sebum secretion, blockage of the pilosebaceous ducts, and colonization by Cutibacterium acnes. Excluding children, approximately80％～90％Individuals with this condition or a history of acne. Inflammatory healing often results in residual scarring, primarily hyperpigmentation and atrophic scars. Internationally, atrophic scars are classified into boxcar scars, rolling scars, and icepick scars.
The primary harm of acne scars lies in their psychological impact on individuals due to their appearance.
Currently, the main traditional Chinese medicines for treating acne scars areCentella Asiatica Cream, widely used in clinical practice. Among them, microneedling has demonstrated definitive efficacy in treating atrophic acne scars, especiallyFor Boxcar Scars and Rolling ScarsThe efficacy is well-established, as microneedling-induced microtrauma triggers wound healing and growth factor release in the dermis. Furthermore, microneedling therapy promotes collagen synthesis and deposition in the superficial dermis, thereby stimulating facial collagen regeneration to a certain extent.
Therefore, clinically there are alreadyApplication of Asiaticoside Ointment Combined with Microneedle Delivery in the Treatment of Acnereports, but the ointment has a thick and greasy texture, poor comfort, and may cause facial redness, swelling, and discomfort after application. Additionally, microneedling may lead to side effects such as skin dryness, sensitivity, active fine lines, local hyperpigmentation, or uneven skin tone during a certain period after treatment, along with pain and discomfort during the procedure.
Therefore, the team aims to develop a cosmetic serum with a lightweight texture that delivers proven efficacy in scar and acne mark removal, alleviates pain and burning sensations during microneedling procedures, and mitigates associated side effects.
The formula is based onPVM/MA CopolymerFormulated with a lubricating and thickening microneedle base solution to alleviate pain and burning sensations during microneedle treatment; utilizes asiaticoside to inhibit scar hyperplasia and reduce pigmentation, while incorporating anti-inflammatory, redness-reducing, soothing, and calming ingredients such as honeysuckle and Chinese trumpet flower extracts; additionally, contains alanyl-glutamine (Dipeptiven) and glycerin to improve skin hydration.
According to the patent specification, clinical application research data indicate that the total effective rate in the treatment group using this essence in combination with microneedlingUp to 90%, significantly higher than that of the control group using asiaticoside ointment (63%). In terms of safety and patient experience, adverse reactions in the treatment groupOverall Incidence (13%)significantly lower than that in the control group (30%), and patients(Treatment efficacy: 95.53%; Treatment experience: 93.33%)satisfaction was significantly higher, particularly in pain assessment, where 7 patients in the control group reported severe pain, whereas none did in the treatment group.
At a critical juncture for the commercialization of this patented technology from Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, the global scar treatment market is simultaneously experiencing a wave of technological innovation. Both academia and industry are focusing on optimizing traditional techniques and developing novel therapeutic approaches. This encompasses not only the improvement and upgrading of established methods such as laser therapy and subcision, but also exploration and breakthroughs in cutting-edge areas like biological regeneration and intelligent delivery systems.
1. Improved Minimally Invasive and Laser Technologies for Acne Scars
Subcutaneous Laser-Assisted Scar Release:As a cutting-edge modified technique for treating refractory rolling acne scars, this procedure combines1470nm Diode Fiber Laser vs. Ablative Fractional CO₂ Laser, effectively releasing scar tissue adhesions through thermomechanical effects. Clinical studies have demonstrated that, compared to traditional subcision, laser-assisted subcutaneous scar release offers greater procedural precision, with significant improvements in both safety and efficacy, making it particularly suitable for the treatment of deep rolling acne scars.
Combined Laser Therapy with Subcision:Regarding the traditional approach of combining subcision with laser therapy, current research focuses on parameter optimization and improved combination strategies. For instance, studies on 2940 nm erbium laser combined with subcision have demonstrated that scar adhesions are first severed via subcision, followed by stimulation of collagen regeneration using the erbium laser. This combination regimen is undergoing progressive refinement of its various parameters to better meet the treatment needs for atrophic acne scars of varying depths.
2. Bioregenerative Technologies
S.R Skin Regeneration Technology:Developed by the U.S. Eps Skin Regeneration Research Center, its core isSynthetic TGC ProteaseThis technology achieves scar repair by utilizing TGC protease to target and bind to receptors on the cell membrane of PGCs, thereby activating PGC activity and initiating a regenerative response in scar tissue that mimics fetal development. Clinical trials have confirmed that this technique effectively improves the color, texture, and flatness of scars, offering significant advantages such as minimal invasiveness and rapid recovery. Currently, researchers are further refining the criteria for eligible patients and establishing clear exclusion criteria for contraindicated populations, including individuals with keloid-prone constitutions and pregnant women.
Allogeneic Universal Regenerative Skin Technology:Although currently primarily applied to burn and scald repair, this technology demonstrates significant potential in treating severe acne scars, such as extensive deep atrophic acne scars accompanied by skin tissue defects. This technique enables the successful in vitro cultivation of full-thickness skin comprising the epidermis, dermis, and appendages including hair follicles and sweat glands. By eliminating the immunogenicity of allogeneic skin cells, this technology has achieved"One Piece of Skin to Save Multiple Lives"objectives. Currently, this technology is being optimized to enhance cell culture efficiency and clinical adaptability.
3. Intelligent Carriers and Penetration-Enhancing Technologies for Acne Marks and Superficial Scars
Biodegradable Sustained-Release Microneedle Patch:As an innovative technology integrating home and medical use, the patch is distributed with hundreds of filaments with a diameter of approximately100μmof dissolvable microneedles. Upon contact with the skin, the microneedlesWithin 30 secondsRapid dissolution enables precise delivery of active ingredients to the deep layers of the epidermis, significantly enhancing absorption efficiency compared to traditional topical application. Currently, the research team is dedicated to optimizing the dissolution rate and sustained-release profile of the microneedles, striving to achieve effective ingredient>72 hourscontinuous release to align with the metabolic cycle of acne marks, while effectively reducing the risk of irritation for individuals with sensitive skin.
Intelligent Responsive Carrier Technology:Breaking through the limitations of traditional liposome encapsulation technology, we have successfully developed intelligent carriers with temperature-sensing, pH-responsive, and enzyme-triggered properties. For instance, an enzyme-triggered carrier has been specifically engineered to target matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) unique to scar tissue; this carrier releases reparative ingredients such as asiatic acid only upon contact with these enzymes. Currently, this technology is being integrated with acne mark-reducing agents like arbutin and tranexamic acid to achieve precise action on pigmented areas, thereby minimizing potential effects on normal skin.
Synergistic Technology of Compound Acids and Bioactive Factors:Moving away from the traditional chemical peel approach that relies on a single alpha hydroxy acid or salicylic acid, we have developedIntelligent Compound Acid System. For example, glycolic acid and salicylic acid of different molecular weights are mixed in a 3:7 ratio; the low-molecular-weight components effectively loosen the stratum corneum, while the high-molecular-weight components form a protective film on the skin surface to prevent barrier damage. Meanwhile, bio-repair factors such as collagen-like proteins extracted from deep-sea mussel mucin are incorporated to both fade acne marks and promote skin repair. Laboratory data show that after 28 days of using this system, the density of newly generated collagen in the epidermisIncreased by 47%Currently, this technology is being explored for its synergistic effects with physical modalities such as red light therapy, aiming to overcome the plateau bottleneck in acne scar repair.
From the iterative upgrading of traditional technologies to innovative breakthroughs in frontier biology and intelligent technologies, the global scar management field is accelerating its progress toward precision, minimal invasiveness, and high efficiency. With the accumulation of clinical data, optimization of technical parameters, and deepening integration of multiple technologies, scar treatment will be more precisely tailored to different scar types and patient needs. This will provide individuals troubled by scars with new, safe, and highly effective repair options, while injecting momentum into technological translation and industrial upgrading within the sector.