Makucell™ Announces Key Scientific Presentations and Launch of a Large, Multicenter Use Study of Asymmtate™

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Feb. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Makucell, Inc., a new life science company that utilizes an innovative proprietary regenerative medicine technology to address aging skin, hair and nail conditions, has presented important pre-clinical and clinical information on its proprietary molecule, Asymmtate, at the 36th Annual Hawaii Dermatology Seminar, Waikoloa, Hawaii.  Asymmtate™ is the active key ingredient in Makucell's new topical skin care line Renewnt™ (pronounced "Re-new-int").

Asymmtate™ is a selective modulator of the Wnt (pronounced "wint") signaling pathway that encourages optimal signaling to stimulate skin stem cells to replenish themselves, keratinocytes, fibroblasts and other dermal cells, which produce collagen, elastic tissue, matrix and other substances to foster a more healthy, rejuvenated appearing skin.  Renewnt™ will be available through aesthetic dermatology professionals in April 2012.

Mark Dahl, M.D. Makucell's, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, presented the two scientific poster presentations.   The presentation titles and conclusions are summarized below.

• The Safety and Efficacy of Asymmtate – Asymmtate™ penetrates into human epidermis and dermis and remains active.  Asymmtate in its cream vehicles is non-mutagenic, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing. 
• Asymmtate™ Analog Mitigates Photoaging Effects of UVB in Mice – An analog of Asymmtate applied topically can mitigate the subsequent visible appearance of photoaging changes in mice after exposures of their skin to UVB.

In addition to the pre-clinical/clinical information presented this week, Makucell has initiated a 100 subject Use Study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Renewnt™ for Hydration Day and Night Moisturizer in a real world setting.  This four-week study will include 12 investigator sites across the U.S.  "This large multicenter study is very important to validate aspects of clinical product performance of Asymmtate™ under real world conditions.  The diverse geographical study sites will allow us to evaluate effects on unique skin types in different climates," said Lawrence A. Rheins, President and CEO of Makucell.

The innovative technology that resulted in the formulation of Renewnt was developed by distinguished research scientist Michael Kahn, Ph.D. and colleagues at the Eli & Edythe Broad Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine at the University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine. "This is an exciting time for Makucell," said Makucell co-founder and inventor Michael Kahn, Ph.D.  "This technology will be utilized for commercial topical applications to address the challenges of photoaging skin and other hair and nail conditions."

For media and investment inquiries please contact please contact Lawrence Rheins, [email protected] or 1-855-MAKUCELL.

About Makucell
Makucell (www.makucell.com) is a new life science technology transfer company that utilizes an innovative proprietary regenerative medicine technology to address aging skin, hair and nail conditions in an entirely new way. Using a patent-pending new molecule, Asymmtate, Makucell has developed the Renewnt brand of non-prescription products that work with the skin's own stem cells to produce healthier, and more youthful appearing skin. This innovative technology was developed by researchers at the Eli & Edythe Broad Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine.  Makucell is financed through private investors and is not in receipt of government funding.

About the USC Stevens Institute for Innovation
The USC Stevens Institute for Innovation (http://stevens.usc.edu) is a university-wide resource in the Office of the Provost at the University of Southern California that helps identify, nurture, protect, and transfer to the market the most exciting innovations from USC.  It also provides a central connection for industry seeking cutting-edge innovations in which to invest. As part of this role, the USC Stevens Institute manages the university's intellectual property portfolio stemming from its $560M annual research program. Furthermore, the USC Stevens Institute develops the innovator as well as innovations, through educational programs, community-building events, and showcase opportunities.

Media Contact:
Lawrence Rheins
[email protected]
1-480-305-2061

SOURCE USC Stevens Institute for Innovation