Recognizing
the evolving understanding of pigmentation biology, Eris Lifesciences has
launched DEMELAN® NEXA Serum, a next-generation melanophagy-focused brightening serum
designed for the comprehensive management of recurrent melasma, and
photo-aging.
DEMELAN® NEXA Serum – available in a 30 ml pack,
incorporates Melazero®, a third generation brightening agent. The
serum provides a dual-action approach, promoting melanophagy, i.e., clearing
existing melanin and reducing new melanin synthesis, with clinical study showing
visible melanin reduction within two to four weeks.
Current Challenges in Melasma Care –
Incomplete Addressal of Pathogenic Pathways
Melasma continues to pose a significant
therapeutic challenge in dermatology. Characterized by chronic, relapsing hyperpigmented
patches, it most commonly affects sun-exposed facial areas.1 The
condition is widely recognized as multifactorial,
involving ultraviolet radiation, hormonal influences, genetic susceptibility,
inflammation, vascular factors and skin barrier dysfunction. 2
Despite the availability of several topical
and procedural therapies, long-term
disease control remains difficult, with recurrence frequently reported
in clinical practice. 1, 2 One of the key limitations of existing
therapies is that many primarily target melanin
production rather than the removal of already accumulated pigment, leaving
important pathogenic pathways insufficiently addressed. 2
Melanophagy – Novel Treatment Approach in
Melasma Care
To bridge current treatment gaps, dermatological
research has increasingly focused on melanophagy,
a cellular mechanism involved in the degradation and clearance of
melanin-containing organelles known as melanosomes. 3 Melanophagy
refers to the autophagic breakdown of
melanosomes within keratinocytes, enabling the removal of excess pigment
from the epidermis. 3
Impaired melanophagy has been associated with
pigment persistence in melasma and photoaging, making the pathway an emerging
therapeutic target in pigmentation disorders. 3, 4 Growing evidence
suggests that enhancing melanophagy may help improve pigmentation outcomes by addressing both pigment accumulation and
ongoing melanogenesis. 3
Melazero®: A Novel Approach Targeting
Hyperpigmentation through Melanophagy
Melazero® is a patented active derived from the Korean
plant Arisaema amurense that utilizes a
novel mechanism, melanophagy, to target hyperpigmentation. It promotes
melanophagy in melanocytes, facilitating the clearance of existing
intracellular melanin and simultaneously reducing melanin synthesis. Clinical studies
have shown that 1% Melazero® significantly reduces melanin levels within two to
four weeks, demonstrating faster onset of action and superior pigmentation
reduction. Additionally, Melazero® offers good skin tolerability, making it
suitable for topical use in pigmentation management.
Other Key Active Ingredients in the
Formulation
The serum contains other key ingredients namely Liposomal
Tranexamic Acid (Vegan DDS formulation),
Glycolic acid, Niacinamide, pTerowhite®, Alpha-arbutin, Fermentex Rice Mak and Hyaluronan 16 Multi-Complex,
each targeting different aspects of pigmentation and skin health. Tranexamic acid helps reduce
pigmentation by inhibiting plasmin activity and lowering inflammatory mediators
that stimulate melanocytes. 5 Vegan DDS Tranexamic Acid is a patented complex with 15 times higher liposomal concentration,
allowing for better efficiency and enhanced skin
tolerability. Niacinamide reduces melanosome transfer from melanocytes to
keratinocytes, decreasing visible pigmentation while supporting the skin
barrier. 6 pTerowhite® downregulates
MITF expression, leading to suppression of tyrosinase and reducing melanin
synthesis. 7 Alpha-arbutin interferes
with melanosome maturation, reducing effective pigment production.
8 Hyaluronan 16 Multi-Complex
enhances hydration and supports barrier repair, crucial for maintaining healthy
skin during pigmentation treatments. 9
DEMELAN® NEXA – Technology Designed
for Targeted Skin Delivery
DEMELAN® NEXA Serum also utilizes Deep Delivery System (DDS) technology,
which aims to improve dermal penetration and optimize the delivery of active
ingredients. DDS technology offers potential advantages such as enhanced
penetration of active molecules into the skin, improved bioavailability of
ingredients, controlled and sustained release of actives and better
tolerability for long-term dermatological use.
Potential Clinical Applications in
Pigmentation Management
By targeting pigment triggers, melanin synthesis, melanosome transfer, and pigment
clearance, DEMELAN® NEXA Serum represents a multi-pathway approach to
pigmentation management. Dermatologists
may consider such therapies in patients with chronic or relapsing melasma, post-inflammatory
hyperpigmentation, photoaging-related pigmentation, and patients requiring
long-term maintenance therapy following procedural treatments.
Speaking to Medical Dialogues, Ms. Nita Borkar
(President – Sales & Marketing, Dermatology Business) at Eris Lifesciences
said, “With DEMELAN® Nexa serum, we aim to address gaps in the management
of inflammatory and recurrent melasma. It features Melazero®, a third-generation brightening agent based on a
Nobel Prize-recognized concept of autophagy, that helps to promote melanophagy
and reduces melanin synthesis. Clinical
studies have reported visible reduction within two to four weeks. By
incorporating liposomal tranexamic acid with advanced DDS technology for
enhanced delivery, this formulation offers a comprehensive approach to managing
pigmentation, ensuring faster results and supporting long-term skin health.”
As understanding of pigmentation biology
advances, dermatology is increasingly moving toward multi-mechanistic approaches that address both pigment formation and
clearance pathways. Melanophagy-based strategies may therefore represent
a promising addition to the therapeutic landscape for chronic pigmentary
disorders such as melasma. 2, 3
Eris
Lifesciences, a leading global
pharmaceutical company, has been dedicated to enhancing healthcare through innovative, patient-centric solutions.
With a strong presence in chronic disease management,
Eris focuses on advancing treatments
in key therapeutic areas such as dermatology, cardiology, and
diabetes care, driven by a commitment to quality, accessibility, and improving patient
outcomes.