A select number of attendees at the CDD and Technology Commercialization mini-symposium event. Left to right: Kenneth Karenja, Steve Hernendea, Kevin Anderson, Rebecca Gerber, Robert Vince, Naiem Issa, Christine Dreis, Abbas Raza.
It can take years—even decades—for a research discovery to move from lab bench to marketplace. That’s the story behind ProteXidine®, an anti-aging skincare innovation developed at the University of Minnesota’s Center for Drug Design (CDD). With support from UMN’s Technology Commercialization office, a lab-born molecule is now a real-world product—illustrating how academic research can lead to public benefit through persistence, expertise, and institutional support.
On April 10, the CDD and Technology Commercialization hosted a mini-symposium at the McNamara Alumni Center to celebrate ProteXidine's journey from the lab to the market. At this event, UMN and licensee Topix Pharmaceuticals, hosted a discussion on the science behind the product. Speakers included Vice President for Research and Innovation Shashank Priya, Robert Vince, PhD, professor, and founding director of CDD; Naiem Issa, MD, PhD, medical director of Research and Academics Forefront Dermatology; Abbas Raza, PhD, head of cosmetic science and product innovation and research associate professor at CDD; Steve Hernandez of TOPIX Pharmaceuticals; and Kevin Anderson of Technology Commercialization.
In his opening remarks, Priya noted that “ProteXidine is a compelling example of how fundamental research, driven by vision and perseverance, can lead to transformative solutions with a lasting benefit for society." He stated further that "This is the kind of partnership and translational success we strive to foster every day at the University of Minnesota—where discoveries meet opportunity and innovation serves the public good."
A Legacy of Translational Research
Established medicinal chemist Robert Vince, PhD, has served as a cornerstone of innovation at the University of Minnesota for over two decades. Vince is internationally recognized for his development of the HIV drug abacavir (Ziagen), a breakthrough treatment that remains in use around the world today. The drug was commercialized by GSK and has resulted in the generation of more than $600 million in revenue for the University. Building on that legacy, the center has produced more than 35 US patents and has contributed discoveries in anticancer and antiviral therapies, Alzheimer’s diagnostics, and now, anti-aging skincare innovations. The development of ProteXidine grew out of this long-standing culture of translational research—where foundational science is continually advanced toward solutions that benefit human health.
The Road to Commercialization
ProteXidine was developed as part of ongoing research into small molecules that support skin health. Initially studied for its bioactive properties and potential therapeutic applications, the compound showed promise in enhancing the skin’s natural barrier—an essential function in protecting against environmental stressors and maintaining overall skin health. Over time, Vince and co-inventors Dr. Abbas Raza and Christine Dreis, senior scientist at CDD, recognized its potential as a topical ingredient with cosmetic applications, particularly in reinforcing skin integrity and improving the appearance of aging or damaged skin.
“Dr. Raza played a key role in securing the industry partner, Topix, that led to the licensing, development, and commercialization of the ProteXidine technology,” said Kevin Anderson, associate director of licensing for the Technology Commercialization Office.
Once the compound’s functional properties were identified in 2011, UMN’s Technology Commercialization office stepped in to evaluate its intellectual property potential, guide the patenting process, and help define a viable commercialization strategy, including working with a company, Topix Pharmaceuticals, that allowed the research team to take on the challenges of formulation, manufacturing, and market readiness while continuing to refine the science behind the this novel molecule.
“ProteXidine, a science-backed skincare ingredient supports the body’s natural processes by clearing damaged cells and signaling the need for healthy replacements,” Raza explained. As with many university-born innovations, the path from discovery to commercial availability was neither quick nor linear.
Over the course of several years, this endeavor culminated in a viable market product. The development of ProteXidine exemplifies the long-term, collaborative effort required to bring academic research to the marketplace in a way that upholds scientific integrity and public benefit.
Building a Product and Bringing It to Market
Currently, ProteXidine is available on the market as a luxury skincare product and eye cream in the United States and Japan. Its launch into the market reflects the growing interest in science-backed cosmetic products and marks a milestone for the research team at the CDD.
The company continues to explore future directions for the technology, reflecting the broader mission of UMN’s innovation ecosystem: to translate research into solutions that can improve lives. In that sense, the story of ProteXidine is not only about a single product, but also about the University’s long-standing investment in the infrastructure, expertise, and partnerships required to bring ideas to life.
The Bigger Picture
The journey of ProteXidine reflects the broader environment that makes innovation possible at the University of Minnesota—where basic research intersects with commercialization support to move ideas forward. The University of Minnesota’s innovation ecosystem continues to support faculty and staff in building startups, forming collaborations, and developing products that have real-world impact. While the path from research to marketability is often long, stories like this one underscore why that journey matters—and why investing in the process pays off over time.