Thiamidol: A Breakthrough Innovation in Treatment of Hyperpigmentation

Skin hyperpigmentation, including melasma, solar lentigines, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, results in a significant impact on patient quality of life. Unfortunately, to date, many over-the-counter (OTC) options have often been limited by efficacy, safety and tolerability concerns. Additionally, limited education on disease manifestation and root causes of hyperpigmentation often leaves patients undiagnosed and untreated. Melanogenesis is driven by a complex pathway resulting in the ultimate production and deposition of melanin in skin. The major rate-limiting step of melanogenesis centers on the conversion of L-Dopa to melanin mediated by a cellular tyrosinase, resulting in overproduction of melanin in cases of hyperpigmentation. Recently, Thiamidol (isobutylamido thiazolyl resorcinol) has been identified as the most effective inhibitor of human tyrosinase out of 50,000 compounds screened in vitro, and thus, a novel ingredient for inclusion in OTC hyperpigmentation products. Here, we describe the current pre-clinical and clinical safety and efficacy data on Thiamidol formulations, aimed at educating the dermatology community on a safe and effective OTC option for use as part of the overall management of hyperpigmentation in patients.