Skin whitening peptide agents

Abstract

The present invention provides new peptides useful as skin whitening agents and their uses in cosmetic or therapeutic applications.

1 . A method of whitening skin comprising topically applying a peptide selected from the group consisting of a peptide of up to 15 amino acids in length that contains the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, and a peptide up to 5 amino acids in length that contains the sequence QVAVK (SEQ ID NO: 16), VAVK (SEQ ID NO: 9), AVK or QVA, or a functional derivative or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof to the skin of a human, as skin whitening cosmetic agent, wherein the functional derivative is selected from the group consisting of a retropeptide, a retro-inverso peptide, a peptidomimetic and a peptide with methylated amide linkages. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the peptide is up to 5 amino acids in length and contains the amino acid sequence QVA. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the peptide is up to 5 amino acids in length and contains the amino acid sequence QVAVK (SEQ ID NO: 16). 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the peptide is up to 5 amino acids in length and contains the amino acid sequence VAVK (SEQ ID NO: 9). 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the peptide consists of an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of the amino acid sequences QVA, VAVK (SEQ ID NO: 9) and QVAVK (SEQ ID NO: 16). 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the peptide is up to 5 amino acids in length and contains the amino acid sequence AVK. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the functional derivative is selected from the group consisting of a retro-inverso peptide, a peptidomimetic and a peptide with methylated amide linkages. 
     
     
         8 . A method of treating hyperpigmentation comprising topically applying a peptide selected from the group consisting of a peptide of up to 15 amino acids in length that contains the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, and a peptide up to 5 amino acids in length that contains the sequence QVAVK (SEQ ID NO: 16), VAVK (SEQ ID NO: 9), AVK or QVA, or a functional derivative or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof to the skin of a human having hyperpigmentation, wherein the functional derivative is selected from the group consisting of a retropeptide, a retro-inverso peptide, a peptidomimetic and a peptide with methylated amide linkages. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the hyperpigmentation is selected from the group consisting of melasma, actinic lentigo, pigmentary after-effects from acne, pigmentations due photosensitization, post-inflammatory pigmentations due to an abrasion, a burn, a scar, dermatosis and/or contact allergy, meadows dermatitis, pigmentations due to poison ivy, freckles, nevi, congenital giant nevus, Becker nevus or Spitz nevus. 
     
     
         10 . A cosmetic or pharmaceutical composition comprising a skin whitening peptide selected from the group consisting of a peptide of up to 15 amino acids in length that contains the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, and a peptide up to 5 amino acids in length that contains the sequence QVAVK (SEQ ID NO: 16), VAVK (SEQ ID NO: 9), AVK or QVA, or a functional derivative or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof, and a physiologically acceptable carrier and/or excipient, wherein the functional derivative is selected from the group consisting of a retropeptide, a retro-inverso peptide, a peptidomimetic and a peptide with methylated amide linkages. 
     
     
         11 . The composition of  claim 10 , wherein said composition is adapted for administration by topical route. 
     
     
         12 . The composition of  claim 10 , wherein the peptide is contained in liposomes. 
     
     
         13 . The composition of  claim 10 , wherein the composition is in the form of an oil-in-water, water-in-oil or water-in-silicon emulsion. 
     
     
         14 . The composition of  claim 10 , further comprising one or several additional active substances. 
     
     
         15 . The composition of  claim 14 , wherein said additional active substances are selected from other skin whitening agents, organic or inorganic sunscreens, keratolytic and/or exfoliating agents, moisturizers, emollients, astringents, antiseptics, anti-glycation and/or antioxidant agents, polyols, vitamins, retinoic acid, retinaldehyde, retinol, palmitate, propionate, acetate, hyaluronic acid, anti-inflammatory agents, soothing agents, and deoxyribonucleic or ribonucleic acids, and mixtures thereof.