Next-generation human skin platform for evaluating skin and scalp aging

Overview

Outer Biosciences has developed a cutting-edge ex vivo skin platform designed to evaluate skin and scalp aging using donated human skin. This innovative platform supports the testing of both raw materials and complex mixtures through various application methods, including topical, intravenous, and injections. With the ability to mimic real-world consumer product use, it offers significant flexibility. The platform facilitates donor-specific studies across gender, age, race, body region, and skin conditions, maintaining viability for over 4 weeks, which is crucial for both short- and long-term assessments.

Technical specifications

Key features:

• Maintains full-thickness human skin biopsies for over 4 weeks
• Supports a wide range of demographic testing through a robust tissue donor network
• Evaluates novel and known compounds, including anti-aging and senolytic actives
• Generates over 30,000 data points per biopsy, covering transcriptomic, biochemical, histological, and clinical sensor data
• Standard endpoints include LDH, SOD, MTT, ELISA, MSD, pH, and Lucifer Yellow assays
• Allows for in-depth analysis of collagen density and transcriptomics
• Includes histology and RNA sequencing corroborated by dermatologist scoring

Technology readiness level

This ex vivo skin platform is at Technology Readiness Level 5, indicating it has been validated in relevant environments but is not yet fully deployed commercially. Future validation plans include collaborative research with partners to refine experimental conditions and further benchmark against established anti-aging actives.