Skincare company Michal Morrison Inc., an Austin, TX-based skincare brand, says it has a unique weapon to fight aging skin; the company has garnered exclusive worldwide license to use newly patented βSTEM6 molecular technology in skincare.

Based on 25 years of stem cell science, βSTEM6 technology was discovered by two scientists—one who holds a doctorate in synthetic organic chemistry, and a stem cell scientist professor of cancer biology and molecular medicine.

Genesis Molecular Technologies Inc., an affiliate organization of Michal Morrison Inc, received the notice of allowance (NOA) from the United States Patent and Trademark Office in March. The patent relates generally to modulation of the Wnt/-catenin pathway in mammalian cells and tissues, and more particularly to novel CREB binding protein (CBP)/-catenin inhibitors and the cosmetic, and therapeutic uses thereof (e.g., in dermatological applications for skin, hair and nails), and methods of making the disclosed exemplary compounds.

Michal Morrison’s hero product, Genesis βSTEM6 Molecular Serum, is the first and only bioserum with the patented βSTEM6 molecule, according to the brand.

Happi checked in with Michal Morrison Founder Michal Ann Morrison about the patented ingredient that is now part of her brand’s formulation platform.

HAPPI: How did your brand find this ingredient?

Morrison: [We were] introduced to stem cell scientist Dr. Michael Kahn by beauty industry veteran, Paul Scott Premo. Dr. Kahn is Professor of Cancer Biology and Molecular Medicine at the Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Medical Center. As a former archeologist, Michal’s passion for a ‘science–first approach’ became her determination to create skincare formulas with novel technology, supported by scientific evidence with proven efficacy.

The patented and exclusive βSTEM6 technology was discovered by Dr. Fuqiang Ruan, an innovative scientist with a doctorate in synthetic organic chemistry. Dr. Ruan has a record of scientific advances including the discovery and patenting of multiple first-in-class pharmaceutical breakthroughs. He previously worked in the laboratory of Dr. Michael Kahn. The βSTEM6 molecule is based on 25 years of stem cell science and regenerative medicine, and Dr. Ruan and Dr. Kahn are science advisors for Michal Morrison Inc. 

HAPPI: What does the patent cover specifically?

Morrison: Technically, the patent relates to modulation of the Wnt /catenin pathway in mammalian cells and tissues, and more particularly to novel CREB binding protein (CBP) / catenin inhibitors and the cosmetic and therapeutic uses in dermatological applications for skin, hair and nails, and methods of making the exemplary compounds. The Wnt signaling cascade has been implicated in skin development and maintenance. Wnt proteins can stimulate multiple intracellular signaling pathways and act as growth factors that regulate diverse processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, migration and polarity. Among the Wnt stimulated pathways, Wnt/B-catenin signaling is known as an important regulatory pathway that governs developmental processes during tissue morphogenesis. Wnt signaling is one of the major cues directing skin development and maintenance.

In simple terms, the patented technology is a new composition of matter that supports the skin’s stem cell signaling pathway to help awaken the millions of cells responsible for healthy and youthful looking skin.

HAPPI How does this new ingredient work in the new Genesis βSTEM6 Molecular Serum?

Morrison: A scientific and biotech breakthrough in the beauty industry, the patented βSTEM6 molecule is a new composition of matter that supports the skin’s stem cell signaling pathway to awaken the millions of cells responsible for healthy and youthful looking skin. The premium formula also contains scientifically proven ingredients that support collagen and GAG synthesis, improve epidermal turnover and strengthen barrier function.

HAPPI: Are there other or will there be more products built around this material? If new launches, when can we expect them out?

Morrison: As a science-first company dedicated to the research and development of efficacious products, the company plans to test the concentration effectiveness of the βSTEM6 molecule in skin, as well as exploring other skin condition such as acne and the potential of the molecule to support hair, brow and eyelash growth.

HAPPI: Does the company have any additional patents pending around this technology? Will it file more?

Morrison: The patent covers a variety of cosmeceutical applications for skin, hair and nails. The company will continue its commitment to research that will provide the scientific evidence validating the effectiveness of the βSTEM6 molecule. With that, the company will also pursue patent protection on its future inventions.

HAPPI: How much will the future of beauty formulation be influenced by biotech?

Morrison: As a company, we’re confident the future of beauty will be driven by biotechnology, notably biomimetics. The key principle of biomimetics is to observe the biological world as a guide and source of inventiveness for the development of novel molecules and materials. Furthermore, biotechnology offers an alternative approach for the sustainable development of new and conventional raw materials used in beauty formulations.