Patent Description:
Several skin diseases but also skin aging is associated with thinner, dry skin showing reinforced and undesired clinical symptoms like excoriation, lichenification and scaling.

Excoriation may typically be caused by excoriation disorder, with the onset of acne in adolescence or other skin conditions such as keratosis pilaris, psoriasis and eczema. Excoriation describes several skin lesions or abrasions caused by e.g. excessive grooming of the skin.

Lichenification describes a skin condition including epidermal thickening, typically characterized by visible and palpable thickening of the skin. Frequently, accentuated skin markings and / or an exaggeration of normal skin lines appear.

Scaling describes an abnormal shedding or accumulation of the upper layer of the skin (stratum corneum). Scaling is often associated with dry skin disorders.

The skin may tend to scaling e.g. because it is too dry. A physiological mechanism to prevent scaling by moisturizing the skin is the production of grease. However, with increasing age, use of e.g. soaps, shampoos, perfumes or disinfectants, contact with hot water and dry air conditions, e.g. caused by indoor heating, the skin may become dry, rough and start scaling. In general, substances causing de-fattening or degreasing and thus drying of the skin seem to promote the generation of undesired clinical symptoms such as e.g. excoriation, lichenification and dry skin (e.g. scaling).

<CIT> describes the use of polyethylene glycol esters and / or polyethylene glycol ethers in the treatment of itchy conditions of skin and scalp.

<CIT> describes cosmetic and / or dermatological preparations containing polyethylene glycol esters and / or polyethylene glycol ethers for moisturizing the skin and to delay or prevent drying out of the skin.

<CIT> relates to the use of Anthranilic acid amides as a cosmetic preparation for inhibiting the substance P induced release of Histamine. A reduction of Histamine release is reported to improve skin itching, pain and reddening of the skin.

<CIT> refers to antimicrobial agents for personal care, detergent and nutrition products, wherein Dihydroavenanthramide may be present as anti-reddening or anti-itching agent.

<NPL>), as well as <NPL>) describe the use of anthranilic acid amides as antioxidants in food, functional food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical compositions and describe compositions comprising Dihydroavenanthramide and PEG derivatives.

<CIT> describes compositions comprising Dihydroavenanthramide D and climbazole, useful for treating skin and/or hair, wherein the compositions may comprise a PEG derivative.

<CIT> describes the use of C10-C14-alkane-<NUM>,<NUM>-diols in the preparation of a composition for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of Malassezia-induced dandruff formation, wherein the compositions presented in the Examples may further comprise Dihydroavenanthramide D and/or PEG derivatives.

However, further substances and cosmetic and / or dermatological preparations with increased effectiveness in improving or preventing undesired skin conditions are sought.

In the search for suitable agents it has to be considered that the substances used should be toxicologically acceptable, well tolerated by the skin and stable (in particular in conventional cosmetic and / or dermatological formulations) and they should preferably have the lowest possible intrinsic odour and the lowest possible intrinsic colour and be inexpensive to prepare.

The object of the present invention was therefore to develop a stable, cost-effective product with skin condition improving properties. Such skin conditions preferably comprise or consist of excoriation, lichenification and scaling associated with dry skin.

The object described above is solved by a composition according to the invention, comprising.

One, two, three or more further Avenanthramide(s) of formula (I) in the composition according to the invention is / are or, respectively, comprise preferably one or two Avenanthramide(s) selected from the group consisting of Avenanthramides A, B, C, D and Dihydroavenanthramides A, B, C.

One, two, three or more further polyalkylene glycol derivative(s) of formula (II) in the composition according to the invention is / are or, respectively, comprise preferably one, two, three or more polyalkylene glycol derivative(s) according to formula (Ila).

One, two, three or more further polyalkylene glycol derivative(s) of formula (II) and / or (Ila) and / or (IIb) in the composition according to the invention is / are or, respectively, comprise preferably one, two, three or more polyethylene glycol (PEG) ether(s) of formula (Ila) and / or one, two, three or more polyethylene glycol (PEG) ester(s) of formula (IIb).

Polyethylene glycol ethers according to formula (II) and / or (Ila) that can be additionally used in a composition are for example PEG-<NUM> Octylether, PEG-<NUM> Nonylether, PEG-<NUM> Decylether, PEG-<NUM> Undecylether, PEG-<NUM> Dodecylether, PEG-<NUM> Tridecylether, PEG-<NUM> Tetradecylether, PEG-<NUM> Octylether, PEG-<NUM> Nonylether, PEG-<NUM> Decylether, PEG-<NUM> Undecylether, PEG-<NUM> Dodecylether, PEG-<NUM> Tridecylether, PEG-<NUM> Tetradecylether, PEG-<NUM> Octylether, PEG-<NUM> Nonylether, PEG-<NUM> Decylether, PEG-<NUM> Undecylether, PEG-<NUM> Dodecylether, PEG-<NUM> Tetradecylether, PEG-<NUM> Octylether, PEG-<NUM> Nonylether, PEG-<NUM> Decylether, PEG-<NUM> Undecylether, PEG-<NUM> Dodecylether, PEG-<NUM> Tridecylether, PEG-<NUM> Tetradecylether, PEG-<NUM> Octylether, PEG-<NUM> Nonylether, PEG-<NUM> Decylether, PEG-<NUM> Undecylether, PEG-<NUM> Dodecylether, PEG-<NUM> Tridecylether, PEG-<NUM> Tetradecylether, PEG-<NUM> Octylether, PEG-<NUM> Nonylether, PEG-<NUM> Decylether, PEG-<NUM> Undecylether, PEG-<NUM> Dodecylether, PEG-<NUM> Tridecylether, PEG-<NUM> Tetradecylether.

Preferably, the further PEG ether or one of the further PEG ethers in the composition according to the invention is Polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (Laureth <NUM>).

Polyethylene glycol esters that can be additionally used in a composition according to formula (II) and / or (IIb) are for example PEG-<NUM> Octanoate, PEG-<NUM> Nonanoate, PEG-<NUM> Isononanoate, PEG-<NUM> Decanoate, PEG-<NUM> Undecanoate, PEG-<NUM> Dodecanoate, PEG-<NUM> Octanoate, PEG-<NUM> Nonanoate, PEG-<NUM> Isononanoate, PEG-<NUM> Decanoate, PEG-<NUM> Undecanoate, PEG-<NUM> Dodecanoate, PEG-<NUM><NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-Trimethylhexanoate, PEG-<NUM> Octanoate, PEG-<NUM> Nonanoate, PEG-<NUM> Isononanoate, PEG-<NUM> Decanoate, PEG-<NUM> Undecanoate, PEG-<NUM> Dodecanoate, PEG-<NUM> Octanoate, PEG-<NUM> Nonanoate, PEG-<NUM> Isononanoate, PEG-<NUM> Decanoate, PEG-<NUM> Undecanoate, PEG-<NUM> Dodecanoate, PEG-<NUM> Octanoate, PEG-<NUM> Nonanoate, PEG-<NUM> Isononanoate, PEG-<NUM> Decanoate, PEG-<NUM> Undecanoate or PEG-<NUM> Dodecanoate.

Preferably, the further PEG ester or one of the further PEG esters in the composition according to the invention is PEG-<NUM><NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-Trimethylhexanoate.

It is further preferred that the, or one further polyalkylene glycol derivative is PEG-<NUM>-<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-Trimethylhexanoate.

Oil bodies that can be used in a composition according to the invention are for example Guerbet alcohols based on fatty alcohols having <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, carbon atoms, esters of linear C6-C22-fatty acids with linear or branched C6-C22-fatty alcohols or esters of branched C6-C13-carboxylic acids with linear or branched C6-C22-fatty alcohols, such as, for example, myristyl myristate, myristyl palmitate, myristyl stearate, myristyl isostearate, myristyl oleate, myristyl behenate, myristyl erucate, cetyl myristate, cetyl palmitate, cetyl stearate, cetyl isostearate, cetyl oleate, cetyl behenate, cetyl erucate, stearyl myristate, stearyl, palmitate, stearyl stearate, stearyl isostearate, stearyl oleate, stearyl behenate, stearyl eru-cate, isostearyl myristate, isostearyl palmitate, isostearyl stearate, isostearyl isostearate, isostearyl oleate, isostearyl behenate, isostearyl oleate, oleyl myristate, oleyl palmitate, oleyl stearate, oleyl isostearate, oleyl oleate, oleyl behenate, oleyl erucate, behenyl myristate, behenyl palmitate, behenyl stearate, behenyl isostearate, behenyl oleate, behenyl behenate, behenyl erucate, erucyl myristate, erucyl palmitate, erucyl stearate, erucyl isostearate, erucyl oleate, erucyl behenate and erucyl erucate. Also suitable are esters of linear C6-C22-fatty acids with branched alcohols, in particular <NUM>-ethylhexanol, esters of C18-C38-alkylhy-droxy carboxylic acids with linear or branched C6-C22-fatty alcohols, in particular Dioctyl Malate, esters of linear and / or branched fatty acids with polyhydric alcohols (such as, for example, propylene glycol, dimerdiol or trimertriol) and / or Guerbet alcohols, triglycerides based on C6-C10-fatty acids, liquid mono-/di-/triglyceride mixtures based on C6-C18-fatty acids, esters of C6-C22-fatty alcohols and / or Guerbet alcohols with aromatic carboxylic acids, in particular benzoic acid, esters of C2-C12-dicarboxylic acids with linear or branched alcohols having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms or polyols having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms and <NUM> to <NUM> hydroxyl groups, vegetable oils, branched primary alcohols, substituted cyclohexanes, linear and branched C6-C22-fatty alcohol carbonates, such as, for example, Dicaprylyl Carbonate (Cetiol® CC), Guerbet carbonates, based on fatty alcohols having <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, carbon atoms, esters of benzoic acid with linear and / or branched C6-C22-alcohols (e.g. Finsolv® TN), linear or branched, symmetrical or asymmetrical dialkyl ethers having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms per alkyl group, such as, for example, dicaprylyl ether (Cetiol® OE), ring-opening products of epoxidized fatty acid esters with polyols, silicone oils (cyclomethicones, silicone methicone grades, etc.) and / or aliphatic or naphthenic hydrocarbons, such as, for example, squalane, squalene or dialkylcyclohexanes.

In case several different Avenanthramides are present in the composition, the weight ratio of the Avenanthramide with the highest weight proportion and the, one or all other(s) Avenanthramide(s) is preferably from <NUM> : <NUM> to <NUM> : <NUM>, preferably to more than <NUM> : <NUM>, more preferably from <NUM> : <NUM> to <NUM> : <NUM>, preferably to more than <NUM> : <NUM>, and particularly preferably from <NUM> : <NUM> to <NUM> : <NUM>, preferably to more than <NUM> : <NUM>.

In case several different polyalkylene glycol derivatives are present in the composition, the weight ratio of the polyalkylene glycol derivative with the highest weight proportion and the, one or all other(s) polyalkylene glycol derivative(s) is preferably from <NUM> : <NUM> to <NUM> : <NUM>, preferably to more than <NUM> : <NUM>, more preferably from <NUM> : <NUM> to <NUM> : <NUM>, preferably to more than <NUM> : <NUM>, and particularly preferably from <NUM> : <NUM> to <NUM> : <NUM>, preferably to more than <NUM> : <NUM>.

In case several different polyethylene glycol derivatives, several different polyethylene glycol ethers and / or several different polyethylene glycol esters are present in the composition, said ratios apply accordingly and are preferred as well.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, component a) of the composition according to the invention consists of one, two, three or more Avenanthramide(s) of formula (I) and of two, three or more polyalkylene glycol derivative(s) of formula (II), preferably of formula (Ila) and / or formula (IIb), wherein component a) at least comprises Dihydroavenanthramide D, Polyoxyethylene (<NUM>) tridecyl ether and PEG-<NUM> Ethylhexanoate.

In another embodiment of the present invention, one or the, two, three or more further polyalkylene glycol derivative(s) of the composition according to the present invention is / are or, respectively, comprise (a) polyethylene glycol ester(s), preferably wherein the number of C-atoms of the polyethylene glycol part is <NUM> to <NUM> and / or the number of C-atoms of the ester part is <NUM> to <NUM> and / or (a) polyethylene glycol ether(s), preferably wherein the number of C-atoms of the polyethylene glycol part is <NUM> to <NUM> and / or the number of C-atoms of the ether part is <NUM> to <NUM>.

The term "polyethylene glycol part" of an ester or ether is meant to be understood as the part of the polyethylene glycol ester or ether which originates from polyethylene glycol.

The term "ester part" is meant to be understood as the part of the polyethylene glycol ester which originates from the acid, which formed an ester bond with polyethylene glycol resulting in the respective polyethylene glycol ester.

The term "ether part" is meant to be understood as the part of the polyethylene glycol ether which originates from the compound, which formed an ether bond with polyethylene glycol resulting in the respective polyethylene glycol ether.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the total amount of component a) and / or b), if present, in the composition is sufficient to improve or prevent one or more undesired skin condition(s), wherein the undesired skin condition(s) is / are preferably one, two or more condition(s) selected from the group consisting of excoriation, lichenification and scaling associated with dry skin.

For the purposes of the present invention, "skin" is in particular the organ covering the outside of the human body and consisting of the epidermis, dermis and subcutis. Preferably, linings and / or coverings of internal organs, for example mucous membranes, periostea, vascular tissue and the retina are not "skin" for the purposes of the present invention.

The presence of polyalkylene glycol ester(s), particularly (a) polyethylene glycol ester(s) and (a) polyethylene glycol ether(s) in such a composition surprisingly showed a reduction in the clinical symptoms associated with dry skin such as scaling, excoriation and lichenification (see example <NUM>).

Even more surprising, a combination of (an) Avenanthramide(s) and polyalkylene glycol ester(s), particularly (a) polyethylene glycol ester(s) and (a) polyethylene glycol ether(s) in such a composition shows reinforced reduction of the clinical symptoms associated with dry skin such as scaling, excoriation and lichenification (see example <NUM>) although such effects hitherto have never been described for Avenanthramides.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the composition according to the invention can be used in a therapeutic method for improving or preventing one or more undesired skin condition(s), wherein the undesired skin condition(s) is / are preferably one, two or more condition(s) selected from the group consisting of excoriation, lichenification and scaling associated with dry skin.

A further aspect of the present invention relates to a cosmetic and / or dermatological preparation comprising a composition according to the invention, wherein such composition is present in a total amount sufficient to improve or prevent one or more undesired skin condition(s), wherein the undesired skin condition(s) is / are preferably one, two or more condition(s) selected from the group consisting of excoriation, lichenification and scaling associated with dry skin.

"Cosmetic" preparations for the purposes of the present invention are in particular preparations which are suitable for topical application to the skin of a human being, in particular to achieve a cosmetic effect. "Dermatological preparations" are preparations suitable for topical application to the skin of a human being to achieve a pharmaceutical effect, in particular to alleviate or cure a disease, in particular a skin disease.

It has also surprisingly been found that a composition according to the invention containing polyalkylene glycol derivative(s) has excellent solubilizing properties with regard to further, only moderately water-soluble, lipophilic substances or substance mixtures such as for example perfume oils, antidandruff agents, antiacne agents or substances regenerating the skin barrier. In particular, the very good solubility mediating properties of the composition according to the invention with regard to other active ingredients such as for example fatty oils, fatty acids, ceramides, pseudoceramides, sterols, phytosterols or hydrocarbons ideally suit them to be used in cosmetic and dermatological agents to improve or prevent one or more undesired skin conditions, in particular selected from the group consisting of excoriation, lichenification and scaling associated with dry skin.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the cosmetic and / or dermatological preparation is an oil-in-water (o/w) emulsion, preferably a two-phase system of an oil in water or a shampoo.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the total amount of polyalkylene glycol derivative(s) in the cosmetic and / or dermatological composition according to the invention, accounts for <NUM> to <NUM> wt. -%, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> wt. -%, of the preparation.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the total amount of the Avenanthramide(s) in the cosmetic and / or dermatological composition according to the invention, accounts for <NUM> to <NUM> wt. -%, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> wt. -%, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> wt. -%, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> wt. -%, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> wt. -%, <NUM> to <NUM> wt. -%, of the preparation.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the cosmetic and / or dermatological preparation further comprises one or more moderately water-soluble active ingredients selected from the group consisting of odoriferous substances, perfume oils, aroma substances, aromas, fatty oils, fatty acids, waxes, ceramides, pseudoceramides, sterols, phytosterols, antiacne active ingredients, antidandruff active ingredients, antimicrobial active ingredients, preservatives, antiperspirants, antiirritants, pruritus-relieving active ingredients, cooling active ingredients, antioxidants, UV filters, antiaging active ingredients, skin-lightening and skin-tanning active ingredients, skin moisture regulators, osmolytes, insect repellents, enzyme inhibitors, odor absorbers, dyes.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the cosmetic and / or dermatological preparation can be used in a therapeutic method for improving or preventing one or more undesired skin conditions, wherein the undesired skin condition(s) is / are preferably one, two or more conditions selected from the group consisting of excoriation, lichenification and scaling associated with dry skin.

The compounds as described herein are meant to be understood as the respective compounds, their stereoisomers and / or their respective salts.

Preferred embodiments and further aspects of the present invention emerge from the attached patent claims and the following examples, the examples not being intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

Formulations (preparations) comprising compositions according to the invention having skin condition improving action:.

Two preparations according to the invention were tested on <NUM> subjects (<NUM> - <NUM> years) with visible dry skin. A double-blinded study was conducted for <NUM> weeks. The subjects successively used composition A and composition B, respectively, each of them for <NUM> weeks.

The parameters scaling, excoriation and lichenification were measured for the compositions A and B before the study (baseline), and after <NUM> weeks of application time, respectively. The parameters were assessed by applying a <NUM>-point ordinal scale with <NUM> = none up to <NUM> = severe. The score reduction of preparation A or B, respectively, as listed below, was assessed as the score reduction between the measurements of baseline and after <NUM> weeks.

Preparation A, comprising Trideceth-<NUM> and PEG-<NUM> Ethylhexanoate reduces (mean values of <NUM> subjects) the clinical symptoms associated with dry skin such as scaling, excoriation and lichenification, respectively, by <NUM>%, <NUM>% and <NUM>%, respectively
Preparation B, comprising Dihydroavenanthramide D, Trideceth-<NUM> and PEG-<NUM> Ethylhexanoate shows reinforced reduction (mean values of <NUM> subjects) of the clinical symptoms associated with dry skin such as scaling, excoriation and lichenification, respectively, by <NUM>%, <NUM>% and <NUM>%, respectively.

Three shampoo preparations were tested on <NUM> subjects (<NUM> females and <NUM> males; average age: <NUM> years) who suffered from scaling on the scalp.

The study was carried out in a temperature and humidity-controlled room (<NUM> + /-<NUM>; <NUM> + <NUM>% R. The subjects carried out a <NUM>-day wash out period during which they used a standardized wash out shampoo without actives.

Subsequently, each volunteer tested shampoo <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>, according to a randomization chart. The products were filled in anonymous containers that did not provide any information about the treatment.

At the baseline, the volunteers were clinically examined for their degree of scaling (T<NUM>). After the basal evaluations the shampoo (active or placebo) was given to the volunteers on the basis of the randomization chart. Each volunteer used the assigned shampoo three times a week.

A clinical evaluation about the scaling reduction of the skin was performed at the end of the treatment (T<NUM>).

In subjects treated with shampoo <NUM> or <NUM>, no reduction of scaling could be observed. Patients treated with shampoo <NUM>, however, showed a reduction of their scaling of <NUM>%.

Claim 1:
Composition, comprising
a) one, two, three or more Avenanthramide(s) of formula (I)
<CHM>
wherein
m = <NUM>, <NUM>,<NUM> or <NUM>,
p = <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>,
n = <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>,
providing that if n is <NUM> or <NUM>, the sum (p + m) is > <NUM>,
wherein if n is <NUM> or <NUM>, both R<NUM> and R<NUM> are H or together form a further chemical bond,
wherein if m is <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>, each X is independent of the other(s) OH, O-Alkyl or O-Acyl,
wherein if p is <NUM> or <NUM>, each Y is independent of the other(s) OH, O-Alkyl or O-Acyl,
providing that if (p + m) > <NUM>, X or Y is at least once selected from the group consisting of OH and O-Acyl,
wherein R<NUM> = H, N or Alkyl,
wherein the or an Avenanthramide of formula (I) is Dihydroavenanthramide D,
and
two, three or more polyalkylene glycol derivatives according to formula (II): R<NUM>(OCH<NUM>CHR<NUM>)nOR<NUM>,
in which
R<NUM> stands for hydrogen or a linear or branched alkyl group with <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms,
R<NUM> stands for hydrogen or methyl,
n represents an integer of from <NUM> to <NUM>
R<NUM> stands for a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl group with <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms and <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM> double bonds or a -COR<NUM> acyl group, and
R<NUM> stands for hydrogen, a linear or branched alkyl or alkenyl group having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, or an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal or NH<NUM>,
wherein the or two polyalkylene glycol derivatives according to formula (II) are Polyoxyethylene (<NUM>) tridecyl ether and PEG-<NUM> Ethylhexanoate
and optionally
b) oil bodies,
wherein
the ratio of the total amount of the Avenanthramide(s) to the total amount of the polyalkylene glycol derivative(s) in the composition is in the range of from <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM> based on weight.