Inventors:
Peter M. Elias - Muir Beach CA
Kenneth R. Feingold - San Rafael CA
Carl R. Thornfeldt - Ontario OR
Assignee:
Cellegy Pharmaceuticals, Inc. - Foster City CA
The Regents of the University of California - Oakland CA
International Classification:
A61K 3159, A61K 3123, A61K 3120, A61K 3116
Abstract:
Disorders of the skin and mucous membrane that have a disrupted or dysfunctional epidermal barrier are treated or prevented by topical application of a formulation comprising certain of the three major epidermal lipid species or their structurally similar precursors, isomers, or analogs in certain proportion ranges. This invention utilizes the following lipid species in unique combinations of two or more components: cholesterol, an acylceramide, a ceramide, and essential and nonessential fatty acids. These combinations are effective both as moisturizing agents and agents for the restoration of barrier function. Some of these combinations are further enhanced by the addition of known moisturizers such as petrolatum and glycerine.