Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis (AD), affects 15–20% of children and 1–3% of adults worldwide. It's more than just an occasional rash—it's a long-term condition that causes constant itching, redness, and irritation. For many, the real struggle isn't just dealing with flare-ups but managing the condition over time and coping with the side effects of the treatments that are supposed to help.
Traditional treatments for eczema, like topical steroids, have some major downsides. They can thin the skin, increase the risk of infections, and cause other issues when absorbed into the bloodstream. Despite these concerns, they've been the go-to option because there hasn't been a better alternative—until now.
Carocell Bio is an early-stage biotechnology company dedicated to developing a safer and more effective treatment for eczema. Their lead product, JEL3108, is a novel, patent-protected peptide that has shown significant promise in preclinical studies for treating eczema and other skin-related conditions. What sets JEL3108 apart from traditional treatments is its ability to target inflammation at its source, offering more than just temporary symptom management.
Unlike conventional therapies, which focus on controlling flare-ups, JEL3108 works by preventing the reactivation of inflammation after the initial episode is treated. The goal is to develop a topical cream that can be used safely on a daily basis, providing lasting relief from eczema while potentially delaying skin aging—an advantage that no current eczema treatment offers.
"Our peptide-based solution doesn't just stop the inflammation," explained Dr Mike Davies, founder of Carocell Bio. "With repeated use, it can prevent the disease from returning, offering long-term relief for eczema sufferers."
The core of Carocell Bio's innovation lies in JEL3108's mechanism of action. The peptide binds to a specific enzyme at the top of the inflammation cascade, acting as an allosterically binding MAP kinase inhibitor. This class of compounds has proven difficult to harness with small molecules, but JEL3108's unique ability to bind allosterically to the enzyme—attaching at a site different from where traditional small molecules bind—avoids the pitfalls of past approaches to effectively stop inflammation and prevent the positive feedback loop that often causes flare-ups to resurface.
The key advantage of this approach is its safety: JEL3108 is rapidly broken down into naturally occurring amino acids after it's applied to the skin, making it safe for daily use without the long-term risks of steroid treatments.
Carocell Bio is currently 18 months to 2 years away from starting clinical trials for JEL3108. Once clinical trials are initiated, they are projected to reach clinical proof of concept in approximately four years from the initial investment. After that, the company plans to license the product to big pharmaceutical companies for further development and marketing.
"We've shown in human cell studies that JEL3108 can turn off inflammation almost completely, even in highly stimulated cells," Dr Mike Davies explained. "And in biopsies from eczema patients, we compared JEL3108 to traditional topical steroids. The results were clear: our peptide worked faster and more effectively, making the skin look normal again in a very short period."
Beyond eczema, Carocell Bio is looking to develop follow-up products that can target other skin-related conditions. The company's cosmeceutical product, aimed at delaying skin aging, could offer an entirely new market for their technology, helping to reduce the visible signs of aging by addressing inflammation, a key factor in skin deterioration.
"Our long-term vision is to use our peptide technology not just for eczema but for other skin conditions and aging," said Mike. "We see huge potential in this space, and we're excited about the possibilities."
Carocell Bio's approach represents a promising breakthrough in treating eczema and other skin conditions. With their innovative peptide-based treatment, the company is developing a safer and more effective alternative to steroids and other traditional therapies. As Carocell Bio moves forward with clinical trials and plans for market launch, the future of eczema care—and overall skin health—looks brighter than ever. To learn more, visit carocellbio.com.
Join the Conversation