Dec 22 2014
Sienna Labs announced today that the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued U.S. Patent No. 8,906,418 covering, among other aspects, methods of using the company's targeted plasmonic therapy (TPT) platform for localizing thermal damage to sebaceous glands and hair, a key mechanism for their investigational acne treatment and hair removal indications.
Sienna Labs' invention, entitled "THERMAL TREATMENT OF A PILOSEBACEOUS UNIT WITH COATINGS THAT FACILITATE SELECTIVE REMOVAL FROM THE SKIN SURFACE," specifically relates to using gold, silver, nickel, platinum, or titanium plasmonic nanoparticles to localize thermal damage to sebaceous glands, hair, and other components of the pilosebaceous unit. Several claims of the patent protect key methods for applying these plasmonic nanoparticles to the skin, delivering them specifically into the pilosebaceous unit, and activating the particles with light to localize thermal damage to the gland and hair follicle. Included in certain claims are methods for delivering particles specifically into the pilosebaceous unit using mechanical vibration devices including massage or ultrasound. Other key claims relate to the use of coatings that facilitate selective removal from the skin surface, a key feature enabling the safety and efficacy of TPT treatment.
Todd Harris, Sienna Labs' Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We are pleased to secure this key patent protecting our TPT platform to treat conditions involving the pilosebaceous unit. This patent along with 5 other patents recently issued in the U.S. provides us with a very strong foundation to bring our technology to market."
About Sienna Labs
Sienna Labs, a leader in the cutting edge field of biophysics, is developing novel approaches to treat skin based on the science of plasmonic resonance. The team of world renowned scientists, entrepreneurs, and physicians have invented a breakthrough technology called Targeted Plasmonic Therapy (TPT).The company's innovative approach uses the current existing base of energy devices in combination with their proprietary plasmonic nanoparticles to target select microstructures in the skin enabling a broad portfolio of indications. The first two anticipated indications for the TPT platform will be the safe and effective removal of light-pigmented hair (gray, red, blonde, white) and treatment of acne. The company is based in San Diego, CA. For more information, visit SiennaLabs.com.