Photo credit: © daily_creativity – stock.adobe.com
Elevai Labs, Inc. today announced in a press release promising results from its ongoing research in collaboration with the laboratory of Stanislav Sokolenko, an associate professor in the School of Chemical Engineering and Applied Sciences at Dalhousie University. The study highlights the potential of Elevai’s proprietary Precision Regenerative Exosome Technology (PREx) in producing exosomes with a unique protein profile that could improve skin health and aesthetics.1
“Exosomes from human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUMSCs) are known to contain much higher levels of protein than exosomes from non-stem cell sources such as platelets or fibroblasts,” wrote Stanislav Sokolenko, PhD, P.Eng. “However, this study further demonstrates that Elevai’s exosomes in particular have a significantly different protein profile than other mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) sources compared to 54 previously published sets of exosome protein data and are enriched in proteins commonly associated with skin and ECM remodeling, including collagen, fibrillin, TIMP2, and many others.”
Analysis of the samples revealed to the researchers that the Elevai exosomes had the expected morphology and size, which was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In addition, the press release noted that they are rich in proteins related to hemostasis, immune modulation, wound healing and ECM remodeling. Reactome pathway analysis revealed that these exosomes are particularly rich in proteins related to skin health and ECM organization compared to existing data from other MSC sources.2
The study identified a number of important proteins in Elevai exosomes, including various collagens, integrins, laminin fibers, fibronectin, fibulin, metalloproteinase inhibitors, and matrix metalloproteinases. The press release states that these proteins play a crucial role in maintaining skin elasticity, preventing thinning, and reducing wrinkle formation. The research highlighted that Elevai exosomes contained a statistically significant and notable enrichment of these proteins compared to 54 previously published exosome protein datasets.
“In this study, we wanted to determine whether our exosomes are fundamentally different from exosomes from other sources,” said Jordan R. Plews, CEO of Elevai, in the press release. “The data led us to believe that our ethically sourced huMSCs, when appropriately processed through our PREx platform, release exosomes enriched with a protein profile similar to, but distinct from, other MSC sources.”
The PREx process developed by Plews is key to creating these advanced exosomes. Based on preliminary data, Elevai believes PREx exosomes could be extremely effective in treating common skin concerns such as firmness, oxidative stress, photodamage, hyperpigmentation and texture issues. The press release states that they show promise in reducing fine lines and wrinkles and improving overall skin health.
Elevai and Dalhousie University plan to conduct further research to expand the scope of their protein studies and explore the broader applications of Elevai’s exosomes. The company said future experiments will focus on evaluating the effects of these exosomes on skin functions and exploring their potential in areas such as bone regeneration, wound healing and immune regulation. Elevai expects to release a comprehensive dataset by the end of the year.
This groundbreaking research potentially offers new solutions for skin rejuvenation and repair. As the company continues to develop its exosome technology, it hopes to pave the way for innovative treatments and improvements in this field.
References
- Elevai Labs Inc., a subsidiary of Elevai Research Inc., announces positive preliminary research results highlighting the potential of proprietary exosome technology for skin health applications. Press release. ElevaiLabs. August 19, 2024. Retrieved August 19, 2024. https://elevailabs.com/elevai-labs-inc-subsidiary-elevai-research-inc-announces-preliminary-positive-research-data-highlighting-the-potential-of-proprietary-exosome-technology-for-skin-health-applications/
- What is Reactome? Reactome Pathway Database. Retrieved August 19, 2024. https://reactome.org/what-is-reactome.
