Skingen launches first recombinant human growth factor gel for VVA

SkinGen has launched a new recombinant human growth factor technology (PolyGF™) for use in post-menopausal vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) – SkinGenuity™ PolyGF VR Regenerative Gel - in the UK throuhg Wigmore Medical. 

Vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA) is a common and underreported condition associated with decreased estrogenization of the vaginal tissue. Symptoms include dryness, irritation, soreness, and dyspareunia with urinary frequency, urgency, and urge incontinence. It can occur at any time in a woman's life cycle, although more commonly in the postmenopausal phase, during which the prevalence is close to 50%, as reported in Mayo Clinic Proceedings 2010 Jan; 85(1): 87-94. 

Topical growth factor treatment on vaginal walls has the ability to activate collagen and elastin at a molecular level restoring all the vaginal functions such as secretion, absorption, elasticity, lubrication and vaginal epithelium thickness, reported Dr. Pablo Gonzalez, President of the Aesthetic Gynecology Association of Colombia, lead investigator of a study using the product. 

Study participants all reported relief of some of the key symptoms, while biopsies demonstrated important clinical and histological changes such as thickening of the collagen in the vaginal wall. Growth factors are able to induce cellular proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis without the side effects sometimes reported by patients with the gold standard therapy, which is the topical estrogen therapy. 

A very positive and unexpected side effect was also reported by all subjects, who experienced an important cosmetic improvement in labia majora and perineal area. 

VVA laser therapy is one of the fastest growing procedures in medical aesthetics today with most major laser companies offering at least one laser for this procedure, the most popular being Radio Frequency and CO2. While the growth of these treatments has recently been exponential, FDA have begun to react to the off-label use and reported adverse reactions to these treatments. SkinGenuity PolyGF VR could become an effective alternative to laser therapies as well as being used in combination to enhance clinical outcomes, the brand says.