The Australian patent has been granted to Novogen for its topical skin repair compound, NV-07a, covering protection of the skin from sun-induced immunosuppression and UV-induced damage.

The effects of sun damage to the skin are major medical and cosmetic issues in Australia.NV-07a has been developed to repair the skin after damage caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Changes in the skin due to prolonged exposure to sunlight can lead to structural damage resulting in wrinkling and photo-aging.These changes can also cause pronounced suppression of the normal skin immune activity and at the same time damage to the DNA of skin cells.

Together, these effects predispose to the development of skin cancers.

NV-07a has been shown to restore immune function and inhibit the DNA changes that may occur, even when used after sun exposure.

Professor Alan Husband, Novogen's Research Director, said while sun block creams had been the mainstay of skin protection from acute effects of sun exposure, they had not reduced the incidence of certain types of skin cancer.

Novogen has announced results from two human clinical trials in which immunosuppression and ongoing DNA damage were both ameliorated in the skin of human subjects who had been administered a topical skin cream containing NV-07a after sun exposure.

Novogen coordinates and manages its international research and development programs utilizing the expertise and clinical research capabilities of universities and hospitals both in Australia and in key international locations.