Linnaeus Therapeutics has developed a platform approach to modulate skin pigmentation by either increasing or decreasing melanin pigment production by skin cells using small molecule compounds suitable for topical delivery. In vitro studies have demonstrated the ability of several compounds to modulate effectively the melanin content of engineered human skin tissues. One of the studied compounds also induces pigmentation, or “tans,” normal mouse skin when applied as a topical cream in an in vivo study. Importantly, pigmentation modulation in this model is achieved without the DNA damaging effects of UV radiation exposure. Current pipeline indications are exploring the potential to decrease the rate of skin cancer through the regular application of pigment modulating agents to high-risk populations.

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