ProteXidine

ProteXidine is a proprietary biomimetic decoy molecule developed by the University of Minnesota's Center for Drug Design and commercialized by Topix Pharmaceuticals. It is designed to enhance the skin’s innate ability to manage ultraviolet (UV)-induced damage and inhibit damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Mechanistically, ProteXidine works by reducing and clearing cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs)—DNA lesions formed after UV exposure that are directly linked to skin aging and increased risk of skin cancer. The molecule promotes selective apoptosis of UV-damaged cells, signaling their removal and replacement with healthy cells, thereby maintaining collagen density, preserving structural integrity, preventing wrinkle formation, and supporting anti-aging effects. Clinical studies have demonstrated that topical application of ProteXidine can prevent CPD formation within four hours post-UV exposure and nearly clear them within 12 hours. It is being incorporated into cosmetic products for sun protection, anti-aging skincare, sunscreen formulations, and eye area treatments[1][2][3][7][8][10].

Brand names

ProteXidine

Other names

ProteXidine