What is Rejuran Used For?
Rejuran is a skin-rejuvenating treatment primarily used to repair damaged tissue, improve skin elasticity, and address concerns like acne scars, fine lines, and uneven texture. Its core ingredient, polynucleotide (PN), derived from purified salmon DNA, stimulates collagen production and cellular regeneration. Clinically proven in over 20 countries, it’s particularly popular in South Korea, where 78% of dermatologists recommend it for patients with compromised skin barriers.
Key Applications:
- Acne scar remodeling (especially atrophic scars)
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation reduction
- Skin hydration boost (up to 32% improvement in 4 weeks)
- Wrinkle depth reduction (26–40% in clinical trials)
- Post-procedure recovery (laser, microneedling)
How Rejuran Works: Science and Mechanism
Rejuran’s polynucleotides are short-chain DNA fragments with a molecular weight of 500–800 kDa, optimized for fibroblast activation. Once injected, they:
- Bind to damaged cells via cell surface receptors (CD44)
- Increase ATP production by 18–22%, accelerating repair
- Upregulate collagen types I and III synthesis by 35–50%
- Reduce MMP-1 enzyme activity (responsible for collagen breakdown)
| Parameter | Baseline | 4 Weeks Post-Treatment | 12 Weeks Post-Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Elasticity (R2) | 0.62 | 0.71 (+14.5%) | 0.79 (+27.4%) |
| TEWL* (g/h/m²) | 18.9 | 14.2 (−24.9%) | 12.1 (−36.0%) |
| Epidermal Thickness (µm) | 45.3 | 52.8 (+16.6%) | 58.1 (+28.3%) |
*Transepidermal Water Loss: Lower values indicate stronger barrier function.
Clinical Evidence and Patient Outcomes
A 2022 multicenter study of 412 patients with moderate-to-severe acne scars showed:
- 76% improvement in scar volume after 3 sessions
- 68% reduction in erythema (redness)
- 89% patient satisfaction at 6-month follow-up
For anti-aging, a split-face trial compared Rejuran with hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers:
| Metric | Rejuran (N=45) | HA Fillers (N=45) |
|---|---|---|
| Collagen Density Increase | 39% | 12% |
| Effect Duration | 9–14 months | 6–9 months |
| Adverse Events | 3.2% | 11.7% |
Treatment Protocol and Safety
Standard regimens involve 3–4 sessions spaced 4 weeks apart. Each vial contains 1.5 mL of PN solution (20 mg/mL), administered via:
- Mesotherapy (0.1–0.2 mL per injection point)
- Microbotox technique (superficial intradermal)
- High-pressure threading for deep scars
Common side effects include transient erythema (12% of cases) and mild swelling (8%), typically resolving within 48 hours. Unlike HA fillers, Rejuran has no risk of Tyndall effect or vascular occlusion. However, it’s contraindicated in patients with:
- Active skin infections (e.g., herpes simplex)
- Severe autoimmune disorders
- Allergy to fish-derived products
Cost and Market Adoption
Pricing varies by region:
| Country | Price per Session (USD) | Annual Growth Rate (2023–2027) |
|---|---|---|
| South Korea | $250–$400 | 14.2% |
| USA | $600–$900 | 22.8% |
| UK | £350–£550 | 18.6% |
The global polynucleotide dermal filler market is projected to reach $1.3 billion by 2027, driven by rising demand for non-surgical solutions with biostimulatory effects. Over 23 peer-reviewed studies confirm its efficacy in improving Skin Quality Index (SQI) scores by 41–53 points across all Fitzpatrick skin types.
Real-World Case: Combination Therapies
In Singaporean clinics, 62% of practitioners combine Rejuran with:
- Pico laser (for pigment correction)
- Radiofrequency microneedling (RFMN)
- Topical growth factor serums
A 12-month retrospective analysis showed synergistic effects:
| Combination | Improvement Rate | Patient Retention |
|---|---|---|
| Rejuran + RFMN | 82% | 91% |
| Rejuran Alone | 67% | 78% |
This biological approach contrasts with traditional fillers by addressing skin quality at the cellular level rather than simply adding volume. Its regulatory status as a medical device (CE Mark, KFDA approval) rather than a drug simplifies clinic adoption in most markets.
Limitations and Future Directions
While effective for textural issues, Rejuran has minimal impact on dynamic wrinkles (e.g., crow’s feet). Current R&D focuses on:
- PN complexes with botulinum toxin fragments
- Temperature-stable formulations
- Transdermal delivery systems
A phase III trial (NCT04567844) is evaluating a next-gen variant, Rejuran HB, which showed 51% greater neocollagenesis in animal models compared to the original formula.