Recognising a major gap in scar treatments, Singapore-based RNAscence Biotechnology developed a patch with dissolvable hyaluronic acid microneedles that deliver RNA directly into the skin to reduce the appearance of scars.
“This patch is a breakthrough technology. It’s in a category of its own we call active scar care. It’s the only product in the world that targets the root cause of scarring with our proprietary RNA active ingredient,” said Diana Chor, general manager, RNAscence Biotech.
The application of BioRNA Anti-Scar is no different from any common adhesive plaster and is also waterproof, allowing users to go about their day with ease if they wish.
To see BioRNA Anti-Scar in action, check out our video above for a demonstration by RNAscence Biotechnology CEO Prof Jack Wong.
The key here is its propriety RNA, which Wong said can “interrupt the scar formation pathway” and prevent the scar from even forming.
Proven visible results
BioRNA Anti-Scar is usually applied for eight hours and has been clinically proven to reduce post-surgical scar volume by 95% after 60 days.
“We compared with the current solution, which is a silicone patch. What we did was make a surgical cut and half was treated with a silicone patch and the other half was treated with our RNA patch,” explained Dr Chun Yong Yao, chief technical advisor, RNAscence Biotechnology.
“We have been developing this for six years, so we are very confident about the efficacy because we have been testing this at a cellular level,” said Chun
Dr Tey Hong Liang, chief clinical advisor, told CosmeticsDesign-Asia that the product can be used on both new and old scars.
“Of course, the newer the scar, the better. The physiology of the scar formation is such that at the beginning, a lot of new collagen forms and that's the best time to actually inhibit excessive collagen formation. But when you really have a lot of collagen that’s already been formed, then you rely on the body's ability to breakdown and build up. This is a cycle which is actually slow,” explained Tey, who is a senior consultant dermatologist from National Skin Centre (NSC) Singapore.
For new scars, Tey said he would normally advise patients to apply the patch for two months. The recommended usage is six to eight weeks for new scars.
Notably, BioRNA Anti-Scar has also been observed as being effective on stubborn scars like keloids.
Keloids are thick, raised scars form when the skin heals from cuts, burns, or surgical incisions. Unlike regular scars, keloids often grow larger than the injury itself and appear as firm, smooth, and shiny bumps.
Balancing safety with efficacy
RNAscence is a spin-off company from the NSC and the Nanyang Technological University (NTU).
BioRNA Anti-Scar was launched in 2023 and has since been adopted by a network of medical professionals, including dermatologists and aesthetic surgeons.
The company emphasised that even with the use of RNA, the product has been proven to be safe.
“We not only have the cell work or the lab work, we’ve done all the safety, and have ISO testing for the product on cytotoxicity, sensitivity and irritation. We’ve also done test on humans with sensitive skin and passed that test. We’ve also done some testing according to the ASEAN guidelines for cosmetics. So, this is a very safe product,” said Chun.
Chief scientific advisor, Prof Timothy Tan added that the patch minimises any side effects.
“We address a very specific pathway to minimise the collateral damage it’s very specific, very effective and therefore very safe,” said Tan, who is also the company’s chief strategy advisor.
Clockwise from center: Prof Jack Wong, Diana Chor, Prof Timothy Tan, Dr Tey Hong Liang, Dr Chun Yong Yao.
Today, approximately 10,000 patches have been used and has also garnered interest from distributors in markets such as Hong Kong and Australia.
“We are looking for more markets. We are also looking into setting up an office in Hong Kong. In terms of manpower, as we expand, it will be ideal to have our own sales and marketing team for instance. That’s where we want to get to,” said Wong.
Currently, the product is primarily available at clinics but is also available for patients to purchase online.
“We wanted patients to be able to administer it themselves without needing to go to the doctor. It saves cost for patients and also reduces the healthcare burden on hospitals. This way, it is sustainable long-term for the whole population,” said Dr Tey.
An exciting future
Tan highlighted the many possibilities for its platform technology beyond scar reduction.
“Imagine if we change the RNA to target different skin conditions. We can achieve that and in fact, we already have an eczema product on the pipeline. We are using RNA to address the inflammatory pathway of eczema. For eczema, there are multiple proteins that cause inflammation, and we have addressed two key protein pathways.”
While it is still early days, the firm believes it can also tackle anti-ageing concerns.
“You can just let your imagination go wild. We can target hyperpigmentation, maybe wrinkles, and any other skin diseases you want, and address it specifically with RNA,” said Tan.
CosmeticsDesign-Asia understands from the firm it is well-funded with support from various organisations in addition to NSC and NTU, including Enterprise Singapore.
The firm will seek out funding within the next year or so.
“I think within one year, we will want to look for investors. But we want to put more value into the company first, which is what we are doing now,” said Tan.
