Unveiling the world’s first RNA-based scar prevention microneedle patch

Associate Professor Timothy Tan from the School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology at NTU in collaboration with Associate Professor Tey Hong Liang, Co-Director of the Skin Diseases Programme at the National Skin Centre, Singapore, have developed the world’s first activated-siRNA dissolving microneedle patch for pathological scars such as hypertrophic scars and keloids.

Gene silencing RNA (siRNA) is a potent candidate for preventing and treating diseases that currently do not have good therapies or are undruggable using conventional drugs. Through silencing specific gene expressions, the overproduction of certain proteins linked to diseases can be significantly reduced, thus treating the diseases. An overview of the RNA interference (RNAi) process is outlined in Figure 1.  However, siRNA is unstable and is easily degraded by RNAses found naturally in bodily fluids.

Figure 1: Overview of the RNAi Process

Overcoming the problems of siRNAs stability, Professor Timothy Tan and his team successfully developed siRNA nanoplexes using a proprietary platform technology to protect and deliver siRNA. By embedding the siRNA nanoplex into dissolving hyaluronic acid microneedle tips, this technology allows painless transdermal delivery, overcoming the skin barrier and achieving cell targeting and gene silencing (Figure 2). For pathological scar treatment, gene silencing siRNA targeting collagen production is used to prevent over-accumulation of collagen and scar formation. The proprietary siRNA nanoplex also consists of a specific motif to target skin fibroblasts, which are the main cells in the skin that produce collagen.

Figure 2: Schematic showing the RNA nanoplex which stabilizes the siRNA followed by its loading into dissolving microneedle tips for transdermal delivery.

After filing a patent for their work, Professor Timothy Tan and his team founded RNAscence Biotech Pte. Ltd. to commercialize their inaugural product, Renectin Antiscar. Renectin Antiscar is clinically and dermatologically tested with proven effectiveness in reducing scar volume by 79%, with 7 in 10 patients having better outcome than current standard of care. Scientifically proven to reduce excess collagen formation, this product empowers patients to provide self-care and will be the first of its kind globally when it launches this year. The scientists are exploring other uses for their invention for skin diseases of which current treatment options are either lacking or inconvenient for patients. The team converged to host a booth at the Art and Science of Medicine Festival 2023 organized by the Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (LKCMedicine) at HDB Hub on 18 March 2023 (Figure 3).

Figure 3: The RNAscence Biotech team converged at the Art and Science of Medicine Festival 2023 hosted by LKCMedicine@HDB Hub. From left to right: Diana Chor (General Manager), Dr. Chun Yong Yao (co-founder & co-inventor), Assoc. Prof. Tey Hong Liang (co-inventor), Assoc. Prof. Timothy Tan (co-founder & co-inventor), Chan Wen Kiat (co-founder & CEO), and Jyotsna Ramakrishna (Year 2 LKCMedicine Student Ambassador).