The peptides
Colzyx peptide portfolio, derived from the body’s natural immune defence, have antimicrobial activity and promote cell proliferation.
Introduction
Colzyx owns a set of synthetic peptides that are replicas of peptide sequences from the human connective tissue molecule collagen VI. The peptide portfolio, discovered at Lund University in Sweden, reflects the dual role of collagen VI in stimulation of skin cell growth, and a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria. By this means the peptides can stimulate tissue repair and reduce bacterial growth.
Some details
Collagen VI is present in skin and other connective tissues throughout the mammalian body, where it forms extensive microfibrillar networks. An important function of collagen VI is to maintain tissue integrity by stimulating cell proliferation and to protect it from bacterial infections, ultimately promoting tissue repair.
These properties reside in the so-called von Willebrand factor type A (VWA) domains of the collagen VI alpha-3 chain. The alpha-3 chain contains cationic and amphipathic peptide sequence (Cardin-Weintraub) motifs which Colzyx’ peptides are synthetic replicas from. Studies at the University of Lund showed that the peptide sequence from these motifs exhibit antibacterial activity against non-resistant and multidrug-resistant bacteria through physical membrane disruption. In the studies it was also demonstrated that the peptides actively promote tissue repair by stimulating cell proliferation in the same dual-action way as collagen VI does.
Since the peptides are present in human collagen VI they are naturally evolved, hence there is a low risk for side effects when used in humans as well as a low risk to cause bacterial resistance.