The Science

Therametics Product Development Pathway 

1. The product must contain an “active” ingredient that has been scientifically proven to produce a specific skin benefit.
2. A topical formulation must be developed with a high enough concentration of the active ingredient in it to produce the desired benefit when applied topically.
3. Human skin penetration tests must be performed on each formulation to ensure that the active penetrates into the skin to reach the target cells.

Step 1. Identification of "Bioactive" Compounds

The first step to building an effective product is to identify novel compounds that have beneficial effects on skin cells. Therametics' "bioactive" compound,  Therosol®,  was discovered by utilizing a proprietary cell and molecular biology drug screening strategy (TheraScreen™). Therametics has developed two  TheraScreen analysis systems; one for identifying anti-inflammatory compounds and one for discovering compounds with anti-aging activities. Using the Therascreen™ anti-inflammatory screening strategy, Therametics scientists discovered that Therosol® as well as a number of other botanically derived antioxidant compounds, were able to suppress the production and/or action of a variety of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in cultured skin cells (keratinocytes and fibroblasts), and in immune cells (monocytes and T- lymphocytes). These inflammatory mediators have been shown to be involved in a variety of inflammatory skin diseases such as eczema, psoriasis, rosacea and acne.  Click below to learn more about the use of Therascreen analysis to identify novel anti-inflammatory compounds.                                                                  TheraScreen™  

Step 2. Therapeutic Formulation  Development 

Once a "bioactive" is identified from the TheraScreen™ drug screening program it must be formulated into a stable topical product that:

1. is compatible with the "bioactive"
2. doesn't cause the "bioactive's degradation
3. contains a concentration of "active" that is high enough to exert the desired biological effect on target cells in the epidermis and dermis
4. is fast-absorbing with a non-greasy and non-tacky feeling on the skin
5. facilitates the movement of the bioactive across the surface of the skin and down many cell layers to reach the damaged cells. 

Typically, Therametics will develop approximately 30 different formulations before finding one that meets the 5 criteria listed above.Click to learn more about how topical therapeutic products are developed at Therametics.

Step 3. Topical Formulation Testing For Skin Penetration 

Once a suitable topical formulation has been developed it must then be tested to determine: 1) how FAST each "active" penetrates into the skin, 2) how MUCH "active" penetrates into the skin, and 3) how LONG, a single application of product will continue to provide "active" throughout the skin to treat damaged cells. To accomplish this, Therametics scientists test each formulation on human skin using PERCUTANEOUS ABSORPTION ANALYSIS. To read more about this method for analyzing skin delivery of bioactive compounds click on the link below.                                         Skin Penetration Analysis

By adhering to this rigorous step-wise development path, Therametics has been able to develop topical formulations that are effective in: 1) treating a number of inflammatory skin problems, 2) protecting skin from the damaging effects of radiation therapy treatments, and 3) promoting a variety of anti-aging effects in human skin cells. For more information on either Therametics' anti-inflammatory or anti-aging technologies click the appropriate link below.                                                                                         Anti-Inflammatory Technology                                                       Anti-Aging Technology