IP Library Granted Patent US 12,428,374
Granted Patent B2
US 12,428,374 · App. 18/534,253 · Granted Sep 30, 2025

Malassezin and analogs thereof as skin brightening agents

Inventors: Michael Einziger (Malibu, CA); Ann Marie Simpson (Malibu, CA)
Assignee: VERSICOLOR TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
C07D209/12A61K8/492A61Q19/02C07D487/04
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,428,374
App. No.
18/534,253
Granted
Sep 30, 2025
Kind
B2
Abstract

The present invention relates to compounds, compositions, and methods for brightening skin. The compounds, compositions, and methods of the present invention generally involve compounds produced by a Malassezia yeast, and chemical analogs thereof. In addition to skin brightening applications, the compounds, compositions, and methods of the present invention may be used to modulate melanocyte activity, induce melanocyte apoptosis, agonize an arylhydrocarbon receptor (AhR), improve hyperpigmentation caused by a hyperpigmentation disorder, and modulate melanin production, melanosome biogenesis, and melanosome transfer.

Claims (23)

1. A method for brightening skin in a subject comprising:

contacting the subject with a compound having the structure of formula (II):

wherein:

R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6 , R 7 , R 8 , R 9 , R 10 , and R 11 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and methyl;

or a crystalline form, hydrate, or cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of:

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the compound is:

4. A method for brightening skin in a subject comprising:

contacting the subject with a composition comprising a compound having the structure of formula (II):

wherein:

R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6 , R 7 , R 8 , R 9 , Rio, and R 11 are hydrogen;

or cosmetically or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein:

the composition further comprises one or more of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, a polyol, and an organic ester.

5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the composition comprises vitamin A.

6. The method of claim 4 , wherein the composition comprises vitamin C.

7. The method of claim 4 , wherein the composition comprises vitamin E.

8. The method of claim 4 , wherein the composition comprises a polyol.

9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the polyol is glycerol.

10. The method of claim 4 , wherein the composition comprises an organic ester.

11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the composition comprises ethyl oleate.

12. The method of claim 10 , wherein the composition comprises a triglyceride.

13. The method of claim 4 , wherein the composition is a topical or transdermal composition.

14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the composition is an ointment, paste, cream, lotion, gel, solution, emulsion or suspension.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Dec 3, 2024
From: EINZIGER, MICHAEL; SIMPSON, ANN MARIE
To: VERSICOLOR TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
Reel/Frame 069462/0541 →
Continuity (5)
Continuation 17409702 · Aug 23, 2021
Division 16121353 · Sep 4, 2018
Division 15455932 · Mar 10, 2017
Provisional Application 62306468 · Mar 10, 2016
Related Publication 20240254080A1 · Aug 1, 2024
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