Antipodean is developing topical formulations of targeted lipophilic cations – mitoquinol and mitotocopherol - for dermatological indications, primarily skin photoaging.

Skin Photoaging is a scarring fibrotic process caused by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors that manifests in wrinkles and age spots. The body’s natural aging process leads to decreased antioxidant defenses resulting in increased oxidative damage and thus slows the repair of the skin’s cells. Skin damage also results from extrinsic causes, such as exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light which creates oxidative stress in the keratinocytes and fibroblasts inducing microscaring. This photodamage can be reduced by avoiding the sun and using UV sun protection.

Mitoquinol and mitotocopherol are targeted antioxidants that decrease the level of reactive oxidative species (ROS) and free radicals found in skin cells. Mitoquinol and mitotocopherol protect both keratinocytes and fibroblasts from oxidative damage. Consequently, they reduce the production of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), a protein that breaks down collagen and initiates process leading to facial wrinkling, i.e. scarring. Inhibiting ROS formation leading to MMP production is essential to preventing and repairing skin wrinkling and UV damage.

There is also anecdotal evidence suggesting mitoquinol can reduce or eliminate erythema and scarring from acne, deep wounds or surgical procedures.

An initial evaluation of mitoquinol was led by John Voorhees, MD, Chairman of the Department of Dermatology, and Gary Fisher, MD, Professor in the Department of Dermatology at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.