A RECENT study has introduced a promising regenerative medicine approach to managing psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting millions worldwide. Characterised by excessive skin cell growth, immune cell infiltration, and vascular changes, psoriasis not only causes red, scaly plaques but is also associated with systemic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mental health disorders.
Current treatments, including corticosteroids, biologics, and phototherapy, can provide symptom relief, but are often linked to side effects, high costs, and frequent relapses. This highlights a need for safer, more effective alternatives. Researchers have now developed a novel treatment using secretome, or conditioned media, derived from human Wharton’s Jelly mesenchymal stem cells (hWJ-MSC), combined with hyaluronic acid (HA) to form a stable, easy-to-apply lyophilised sponge.
The study explored the sponge’s physical properties, microbiological safety, and therapeutic effects using both animal models and clinical protocols. Results showed the secretome-HA sponge improved skin hydration, reduced transepidermal water loss (TEWL), increased skin elasticity, and significantly decreased plaque size. Importantly, no adverse effects were observed in short- or long-term safety assessments, including among individuals with atopic dermatitis.
Moreover, the sponge’s design allows it to be topically self-administered, avoiding painful injections and improving patient adherence. The exosome-rich formulation aids tissue repair by supporting angiogenesis and delivering bioactive trophic factors deep into the skin.
This study reinforces the potential of stem cell-based regenerative therapies in dermatology. The secretome-HA sponge offers a promising, non-invasive treatment option for psoriasis with reduced side effects and enhanced convenience. While larger clinical trials are still required to confirm its efficacy and safety, these findings mark a significant step forward in the development of patient-friendly therapies for inflammatory skin diseases.
Reference
Elgueta E et al. Novel sponge formulation of mesenchymal stem cell secretome and hyaluronic acid: a safe and effective topical therapy for Psoriasis vulgaris. Stem Cell Res Ther. 2025;16(1):348.
