MDI bio lab patents, publishes novel method to inhibit melanin production

MDI Bio Lab Patents, Publishes Novel Method to Inhibit Melanin Production

Peer-reviewed research shows the compound ML233 holds therapeutic promise for skin pigmentation disorders and a type of skin cancer

Bar Harbor, Maine -- A novel application for a compound called ML233 has shown promising results for inhibiting melanin production, offering potential new strategies for the treatment of pigment-related skin conditions and at least one type of melanoma.

Published in the peer-reviewed journal Communications Biology, the research marks a crucial step toward addressing an unmet need in dermatology. It was conducted under the auspices of MDI Bioscience, a drug-discovery initiative of the MDI Biological Laboratory.

In many species, melanin is responsible for coloring skin, hair and the iris. Melanin is synthesized in specialized cells called melanocytes, in a process called melanogenesis. Defects in melanogenesis are associated with skin disorders such as albinism, hyperpigmentation disorders such as vitiligo and melasma, and melanoma.

Hyperpigmentation disorders can impact patients' quality of life due to altered appearance, and their treatment represents a global market projected to reach approximately $11.84 billion by 2033. Despite decades of research, no effective treatments currently exist that affect melanogenesis without adverse side effects.

Led by MDI Biological Laboratory investigator Romain Madelaine, Ph.D., the new study characterized ML233 as a potent and direct inhibitor of tyrosinase, an enzyme that regulates the pace of melanogenesis. Tested in a live zebrafish model and in lab-grown cells from mice and humans, the compound effectively reduced melanin production with no significant toxic side effects observed.

"Our findings suggest that ML233 directly interacts with the active site of tyrosinase, inhibiting its function and ultimately reducing melanin synthesis," Madelaine said. "This mechanism highlights ML233 as a potentially effective and well-tolerated approach for treating melanocyte-associated skin conditions."

The results open new avenues for the development of ML233-based therapies that could significantly improve outcomes for individuals affected by pigmentation disorders. Further studies will be needed to assess the long-term safety and efficacy of ML233 in clinical settings.

“The novelty of our findings isn't necessarily in the biology itself, but in the quality, efficiency, and low side effects seen with this chemical compound,” Madelaine said. “We observed strong effects on melanogenesis at very low dosages. The research is particularly compelling because it offers a potential alternative to existing skin pigmentation treatments, such as hydroquinone, which have significant regulatory and health concerns.”

The research also demonstrated that in lab-grown cultures, ML233 reduced the proliferation of mouse melanoma cells and of one type of human metastatic melanoma.

“The data suggest an early, promising avenue for potential treatment of at least one subtype of metastasizing melanoma, but not all types,” Madelaine said. “The compound might be most effective in combination with other treatments, but much more work needs to be one to establish this potential.”

Patented by Madelaine and MDI Bio Lab last year, ML233’s potential applications, including for cosmetic uses, will continue to be explored by MDI Bioscience.