Protein C is synthesized in the liver and is a precursor of activated protein C (APC). APC, a serine protease, has two pathways of activity in the body: an anticoagulant pathway wherein APC inactivates factors Va and VIIIa, and a cytoprotective pathway mediated by interaction with the endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) and protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR-1).

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The major unwanted side effect of wild type APC is bleeding, which limits its pharmacologic dosing in man.

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Dermatherix is developing 3K3A-APC, a genetically engineered variant of human APC that has been optimized for human therapeutic use. 

 

In wounded skin, 3K3A-APC can act in the epidermis to promote wound healing from the outside in, and in the dermis to grow new granulation tissue and promote wound healing from the bottom up. The reduction of excessive inflammation 3K3A-APC can produce in skin has potential application in a number of other dermatological conditions in addition to wound healing.