Spotlight On: NEWEST

The UK’s first polynucleotide and hyaluronic acid (HA) combination product is now being introduced to the market. NEWEST is a polynucleotide-based product that also contains HA – enabling practitioners to improve damaged and aged skin, while regenerating fibroblasts for continuous improvement in skin quality.¹ Created by Italian manufacturer Mastelli and distributed exclusively by DermaFocus in the UK, NEWEST can be used on the face, neck and décolletage, while there is also a separate product – NEWEST One – designed specifically for use on the body.¹

Understanding polynucleotides

Polynucleotides are natural, highly-purified DNA molecules, usually extracted from fish gonads. Presented as an injectable gel, they are generally administered to patients over a number of sessions help repair tissue by stimulating fibroblasts, which leads to cell turnover, improved elasticity and boosted collagen production. They also calm inflammation and rebalance melanocyte activity to create an even and refreshed skin tone.^1,2 Mastelli has trademarked highly-purified polynucleotide technology, known as PN-HPT. In vitro research indicates that PN-HPT improves skin wellbeing and enables steady self-repair. Fibroblast viability levels were significantly higher in the presence of PN-HPT compared with control after 96 hours and after one week (p<0.001).³ It also revealed that there was a visibly higher number of cells in the PN-HPT area after 96 hours and after one week (p<0.001).³ Using PN-HPT alone was also compared to using HA alone. Results indicated that tissue repair was better in the PN-HPT group.³

Combining polynucleotides with HA

So, what happens when you combine PN-HPT with HA? A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology in 2022 treated the mid-face of 40 women over three months. They used NEWEST and Mastelli’s singular PN-HPT product PLINEST.⁴ NEWEST is formulated as an intradermic gel with 20mg of PN-HPT and 20mg of HA in each 2ml syringe. Mannitol (200mM) is also included, as this acts as a potent free radical scavenger and has been shown to reduce the degradation of the HA by 34%.¹ Similarly, PLINEST uses 40mg PN-HPT in each 2ml syringe, but of course does not contain the HA.¹ At the first treatment session, all subjects received treatment with NEWEST intradermally.⁴ After three weeks, they had treatment with PLINEST, followed by a second NEWEST procedure after a further three weeks (six weeks after the baseline session). Supplemental treatment with specially-formulated PLINEST (7.5mg per ml) was used around the eyes in 23 patients, requiring more localised treatment. Patients were advised to use nucleotide-based creams at home, along with taking PLINEST Care In, which is an antioxidant nutritional supplement.

Results

At the end of the treatment cycle, the individual satisfaction score was 8.0 ± 0.87 out of 10. Results also showed that skin elasticity improved by 39.6%, skin brightness was enhanced by 51.1% and wrinkles and skin roughness declined by 17.1% after the three treatments. Additionally, in the 15 women who had post-acne scars, severity decreased from 7.6 ± 1.32 to 4.2 ± 2.13.4 Results are expected to last six to nine months. Out of the 40 women, 11 observed minor side effects including mild transient discomfort, irritation or pain at the injection site. No serious adverse events were reported. The study authors commented, “The overall skin quality and texture improved significantly from baseline until the third treatment session and after six to eight further weeks. In women with baseline Goglau skin ageing scores >4, improvements were invariably significant or highly significant for every overall skin quality and texture determinant.” Further studies also support the use of NEWEST. One examined its efficacy when treating nasolabial folds (NLFs). Results described that it was a ‘valuable and effective option to rapidly improve the skin dermis texture and quality in individuals with moderate to severe NLFs’.⁵ Another looked at its wound-healing success in gingival fibroblasts, finding that it significantly increased the expression of collagen 1a1 and 3a1.⁶

Practitioner perspective

Consultant plastic surgeon and aesthetic practitioner Dr George Christopoulos, who has been using the product, said, “The recent introduction of polynucleotides to the UK has taken the aesthetic market by storm. Patients’ growing awareness of regenerative treatments is driving demand in clinics across the country. NEWEST is an exciting biostimulation tool that has seen huge success abroad and is likely to help us transform skin quality here in the UK too.”

The evolution of injectables

Research indicates that combining HA and polynucleotides into a single syringe can simultaneously regenerate fibroblasts and help boost hydration and revolumise skin. Addressing both in this combination can be an additional treatment option for the ageing patient, particularly those who are now demanding regenerative treatments instead of, or in addition to, typical aesthetic procedures.