Australian biotechnology company Cellmid has been granted an Australian patent for the use of molecular protein midkine to prevent and treat hair loss.

Midkine is a protein that in humans is produced during oncogenesis (the creation of cancerous tumours), inflammation and tissue repair. According to Cellmid, the protein contains properties that enhance hair growth.

The Australian patent will last until 2031. The company was also granted a similar patent for the UK market in July 2014.

The company received official Notice of Acceptance from IP Australia for Cellmid’s patent application 2011220326 entitled ‘Method of treatment or prevention of hair loss or for the enhancement of hair growth.’

The patent protects the use of midkine and the closely related protein pleiotrophin for use as hair loss and/or hair growth treatments. It grants the company exclusive use of the protein in topical formulations of all kinds, including shampoos, conditioners, creams and lotions with protection until 2031.

Other patents have been filed or are under examination in the US, Europe, China, Hong Kong, Japan and Korea.