Glossary
Acne: a skin condition characterised by the excessive production of oil from the sebaceous glands in which the hair follicles become blocked. The oil build-up encourages bacteria in the skin to increase in number and the resulting infection makes the skin become swollen and red. Symptoms may also include blackheads, whiteheads, nodules, and in severe cases cysts and scarring.
Allogeneic cells: cells sourced from an unrelated donor.
Collagen: collagen is made by fibroblasts. It is a tough, insoluble protein found throughout the body in connective tissues that hold muscles in place. In the skin, collagen supports the epidermis, making it durable and elastic.
Dermis: the layer of skin just underneath the epidermis, that contains sensitive nerve endings, blood vessels and hair follicles.
Elastin: a connective fibre in various tissues that is flexible, elastic and helps hold tissues in place.
Epidermis: the outer, protective, non vascular layer of the skin. This layer of skin is made up primarily of dead cells that protect the skin from the environment.
Extracellular matrix: a complex network of fibrous and non-fibrous materials that contribute to the structure and appearance of the skin. The extracellular matrix produces a structure that withstands the mechanical and physical forces imposed on the skin.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA): The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the US Department of Health and Human Services agency responsible for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of all drugs, biologics, vaccines, and medical devices.
Human Dermal Fibroblasts (HDFs): the principal cell type found in the dermal layer of human skin where they secret collagen, the main component of the dermis. The dermis is a layer of skin just underneath the epidermis, that contains sensitive nerve endings, blood vessels and hair follicles.
Hyaluronic acid: an acid that occurs naturally in the skin and helps retain the skin's natural moisture.
Keratinocytes: the primary cell types found in the epidermis or the outer layer of skin.
Metalloprotease: a type of protease. Proteases are enzymes that break down proteins in the body. An enzyme is a protein that causes a chemical reaction but does not take part in the reaction itself.
MHRA: the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. The UK government agency responsible for ensuring the medicines and medical devices work and are acceptably safe.
Microinjection: the delivery of small quantities of fluid and cells using fine gauge needles.
Nasolabial folds: lines which run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth.
Phase I: clinical testing of the safety of a treatment in healthy individuals. This is normally the first time a treatment is given to humans. In one or more clinical trials, safety, tolerability, dose range pharmacodynamic (action of a treatment on the body) and pharmacokinetic (the process by which a treatment is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated by the body) profiles are investigated.
Phase II: the first trial in which the treatment is given to patients with the condition for which it is believed it will have some beneficial effect. Positive efficacy is often referred to as “clinical proof-of-concept”. This phase should conclude with evidence of whether the treatment works, which patient population to target and what is the optimal dose to strike a balance between beneficial effect and side effects.
Proteoglycans: proteins that contain carbohydrate or sugar molecules. They are an important component of membranes.
