ELEVAI LABS Goes Public with Exosome-Based Anti-Aging Skincare Platform

On November 21, 2023, medical aesthetics biotechnology company ELEVAI LABS (hereinafter referred to as “ELEVAI”) issued 1.5 million shares at a price of $4 per share, successfully raising $6 million in capital. Based on this issuance price, ELEVAI’s current market capitalization reached $69 million.

For overseas markets, ELEVAI’s initial public offering (IPO) is naturally worthy of attention. After all, the company has addressed unmet needs in the field of regenerative medical aesthetics, and its skincare products have been successfully commercialized, reaching dermatology clinics, plastic surgery centers, and specialized medical facilities in the United States, Canada, and other international markets.

Jordan R. Plews is the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of ELEVAI LABS, INC. He holds a Ph.D. in Biochemical Engineering and Bioprocess Engineering from University College London and completed his postdoctoral research in stem cell and regenerative medicine at Stanford University. His research findings have been published in medical journals such as Nature Methods and the Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine.

Jordan R. Plews has a professional background spanning biochemical engineering, molecular biology, and stem cell applications. He has held leadership roles in clinical development programs and product launches at multiple pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer, and led bioprocess development teams focused on skin cancer therapies and biologics research.

After years of research into stem cell therapy, Jordan R. Plews founded the cosmeceutical company Xytogen Biotech in 2015 to develop next-generation topical skincare solutions based on stem cells. Over five years, he led his team in establishing a stem cell culture laboratory and launched more than five premium products, generating millions of dollars in sales.

Furthermore, Tim Sayed, Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer, brings nearly two decades of practical experience as a plastic surgeon. He previously served as Medical Director and investor at the electronic health records company Modernizing Medicine, helping secure over $300 million in funding. He also serves on the board of directors of Fruit Street Health, which has raised more than $15 million in financing.

His academic knowledge, clinical expertise, and industrialization experience in aesthetics, anti-aging, skincare, and health technology have brought significant benefits to ELEVAI’s product development and marketing.

ELEVAI Team Members. Image source: ELEVAI LABS

In youth, the skin’s native stem cell population is in its optimal state, serving as the body’s first line of defense. Abundant stem cells enable the skin to better resist aging. However, with advancing age, the decline in stem cell numbers impairs the skin’s self-repair capacity. For instance, when the skin is injured, scar healing occurs more slowly than it did in younger years.

Stem cells have emerged as a focal point in the field of biomedicine in recent years. They hold significant potential for improving human diseases, delaying aging, and promoting tissue regeneration. In current stem cell-related research, one term frequently appears: exosomes.

Exosomes are extracellular vesicles with a diameter of 30–150 nm and an intact membrane structure, widely present in biological fluids such as blood, urine, saliva, breast milk, and cell culture media. When exosomes penetrate the skin, they mimic the body’s natural healing response. Therefore, skin damage and extrinsic aging caused by daily environmental aggressors can be repaired by exosomes. They not only improve blood flow but also enhance the body’s natural ability to produce collagen and elastin.

A study in Cell Metabolism reveals the potential of exosomes in regenerative therapies for aging. The research demonstrates that small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) secreted by young cells can ameliorate the aging process in senescent cells by reducing oxidative stress. By leveraging exosomal proteomics, researchers have elucidated how sEVs from young cells hold the potential to mitigate aging-associated cellular damage, thereby providing a novel perspective on anti-aging mechanisms and new insights into the role of exosomes.

ELEVAI LABS staff conducting experiments. Image source: ELEVAI LABS

ELEVAI has capitalized on the promising prospects of exosomes by incorporating them into its own products.

In December 2021, ELEVAI launched the E-SERIES™ Exosome product line. This is a series of post-procedure skincare products specifically developed by ELEVAI for aesthetic projects. The products incorporate ELEVAI’s mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) exosome technology, known as ELEVAI Exosomes™, which is currently patent-pending.

ELEVAI Exosomes™ are ultra-small nanoparticles loaded with growth factors that promote skin health. Combined with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid (HA), and copper peptides, they help restore the skin’s healing capacity.

·Vitamin C

Four highly bioavailable forms of vitamin C deliver antioxidants with 50 times the potency of standard ascorbic acid, penetrating deep into the skin to neutralize harmful free radicals.

·Hyaluronic Acid

Promotes hydration through powerful water-retaining molecules and deep-penetrating ingredients, facilitating skin hydration.

· Copper Peptide

Boosts collagen and works synergistically with ELEVAI exosomes to enhance skin elasticity, reducing fine lines and hyperpigmentation.

Currently, ELEVAI holds two products containing ELEVAI Exosomes™: Enfinity (a continuous care serum) and Empower (a post-procedure serum).

Enfinity is a serum suitable for at-home use post-procedure. Effectively formulated with ELEVAI Exosomes™, it combines stem cell growth factors, a vitamin C complex, hyaluronic acid, and copper peptides to promote collagen regeneration and nourish the skin, thereby helping to delay signs of aging.

ELEVAI enfinity. Image source: ELEVAI LABS

Empower is a clean, concentrated essence designed as a single-use product for post-procedure recovery. Empower promotes skin restoration and is gentle enough for sensitive skin. Formulated with ELEVAI Exosomes™ as the key ingredient, it combines hyaluronic acid, peptides, and a biomimetic ceramide complex to enhance the skin’s natural recovery process. Currently, ELEVAI E-SERIES™ has been proven to effectively address skin concerns associated with both intrinsic and extrinsic aging.

ELEVAI empower Image source: ELEVAI LABS

The two products do not require refrigeration and are packaged in easy-to-use, single-use aluminum foil-sealed tubes. Utilizing UV-protective, double-walled airless pump technology ensures the stability of the product formulation while enhancing the user experience.

ELEVAI’s successful commercialization journey highlights the potential of exosomes in aesthetic dermatology.

However, beauty enthusiasts must remain discerning when using professional products. After all, while aesthetic treatments offer benefits, caution is still advised.

References:

Small Extracellular Vesicles Have GST Activity and Ameliorate Senescence-Related Tissue Damage Cell Metabolism. 2020 Jul7;32(1):71-86.e5.