SkinMedica Inc announced an agreement with La Jolla based Advanced Tissue Sciences Inc to evaluate the potential of Advanced Tissue Sciences' nutrient solution in cosmeceutical applications. The nutrient solution is created by the secretion of cytokines, collagen and other nutrients during Advanced Tissue Sciences proprietary tissue engineering manufacturing process.

It is these elements, which are essential to youthful skin and are produced in lesser quantities as an individual ages.

Under the agreement, SkinMedica Inc will conduct clinical evaluations of products containing the nutrient solution and will provide clinical expertise and consulting services to Advanced Tissue Sciences. SkinMedica Inc received a license to certain Advanced Tissue Sciences' patents along with exclusive worldwide rights to market skincare products containing the highest concentrations of the nutrient solution to physicians and medical spas.

"We at SkinMedica Inc are excited about the possibility of bringing the science and technology of Advanced Tissue Sciences to the cosmeceutical marketplace," stated Richard E. Fitzpatrick, chairman of SkinMedica's Board of Directors and a nationally renown dermatologist and current president of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery. "The early development work on these skincare products appears to demonstrate clinically important results -- unlike anything seen before in the cosmeceutical market."

"Through this arrangement with SkinMedica Inc, we will be exploring the use of our patented process to replicate nature's method for rejuvenating skin," stated Gail Naughton, president of Advanced Tissue Sciences and recipient of the 2000 National Inventor of the Year Award by the prestigious Intellectual Property Owners Association.

According to Thomas V. Compton, CEO of SkinMedica Inc, "We have a prestigious team of world renown dermatologists and plastic surgeons, who will be participating in the evaluation of this exciting rejuvenative product. This new product has the potential to be a revolutionary cosmeceutical for diminishing the signs of aging and maintaining healthy skin."