Technologies


Figure 1. Mineralization promotion by C3 peptides Peptides (green) are able to bind to mineralized surfaces at high levels and recruit microcrystalline calcium phosphate nuclei (red and blue) from the surrounding medium. These nuclei then give rise to crystal growth and mineralization. [Copyright © C3 Jian, Inc. 2011]

Biomineralization Modulating Peptides

Initially guided by dental market needs, C3 Jian is advancing a series of novel biomineralization modulating peptides that have demonstrated an ability to bind calcified surfaces in a tissue specific manner.

These peptides may be used to selectively promote or inhibit mineralization and have numerous potential medical and dental applications such as enhancing remineralization and osseointegration in tooth or bone (Figs. 1&2); or, conversely, blocking unwanted calcium accumulation, such as in conditions associated with vascular calcification.

In vivo toxicity studies have shown that these mineral binding peptides are safe and do not produce any signs of acute toxicity, organ damage or antigenic response.

Potential Applications:

  • Diagnosis of bone and tooth defects; and sites of arterial calcification
  • Remineralization of dental defects; and dental desensitization
  • Enhancement of osseointegration of osseous implants
  • Enhancement and acceleration of bone healing
  • Enhancement of bone healing
  • Treatment of osteomyelitis, osteosarcoma and osteoporosis
  • Inhibition of inappropriate mineralization, e.g. medical devices and vascular
    calcification

Figure 2. Effect of C3 biomineralization-promoting peptide (top) or mock-treatment (bottom) on bone healing in critical rat calvarial defects at 3 weeks following single treatment. [Copyright © C3 Jian, Inc. 2011]

Novel Compounds for Hair Growth

As an unexpected result of our remineralization program targeting oral health applications, C3 scientists identified a variation of the biomineralization modulating peptide that significantly and safely promotes hair growth by topical application (Fig. 3). These compounds may be beneficial for patients with hair loss due to chemotherapy or those with male/female pattern baldness. Because of the large market opportunity associated with hair regrowth, C3 has elected to pursue this potential application of the platform technology to diversify our product offerings. Ultimately, we would expect to partner or license this application to companies that have particular expertise and focus in this important consumer market.

Figure 3. Effect of novel C3 compound on hair growth in mice Leftmost panel in each series shows mice at Day 0 after preparation and before treatment. Rightward panels show the mice at Day 23, the endpoint date. The top series shows the negative control receiving daily treatment with topical saline. The bottom series shows mice receiving daily treatment with a topical formulation of a lead C3 hair growth compound applied in outlined patches, demonstrating significant hair growth compared to controls. [Copyright © C3 Jian, Inc. 2011]