Zerpix® (topical gel) is the world’s first metabiotic-stimulator of skin extracellular matrix component synthesis. This is a new biotechnological product that slows skin aging based on the metabolites of recombinant bacteria. Studies (in vivo, Digital Twin) show a significant rejuvenating effect within the first 6–24 months of use, while the long-term effect is manifested in slowing skin aging by a record-breaking 52% per year. For example, with regular use, this will allow 65-year-old skin to look 38–43 years old. This result and the absence of side effects make the product the most effective and safe in comparison with other methods, for instance, such popular procedures as RF lifting and MSC therapy.

The product was developed based on cell-signaling metabolites of a new recombinant bacterial strain created by scientists from the Fazax international research center (USA) in 2025 using specialized deep learning neural network models. This strain was initially developed for use in burn surgery to restore damaged skin tissues, as it is the only producer strain capable of producing the unique metabolites h-IMS and SIT-31, which possess high bioactivity and biocompatibility with human tissues. These metabolites significantly accelerate the regeneration of damaged tissues by stimulating mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).

High efficiency is achieved due to the fact that the metabolites of the new strain, h-IMS and SIT-31, are structurally fully identical to the human skin extracellular matrix and act as strong signaling molecules for cell receptors. Thanks to this, only h-IMS and SIT-31 possess the exceptional ability to significantly activate mesenchymal stem cells. This leads to their proliferation and differentiation into new fibroblasts and stimulates existing fibroblasts to an increased (by 10–12 times) synthesis of collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, aquaporins, and other key components of the skin extracellular matrix through the expression of the COL1A1, COL1A2, COL1A3, HAS-2, and AQP3T genes. These ECM components form the structural framework of young skin, the production of which significantly decreases with age. It is these properties that make h-IMS and SIT-31 metabolites an unrivaled solution in regenerative medicine and cosmetology in comparison with other methods and metabolites of other strains and bacteria (which are also structurally similar to the skin matrix but lack high biocompatibility with it and cannot deliver clinically significant signals to cells).

Clinical effects and timeline of observation

• The nature and rate of visible skin changes are dependent on individual cellular skin potential and follow a cumulative, stage-dependent progression.
• Initial effects (~3–4 days after first procedure): improvement in skin microrelief and tone, reduction in pore visibility, normalization of sebum regulation (reduced oiliness), restoration of skin tone, and a noticeable “plumping” effect.
• Cumulative effects (~3–4 weeks of course use): increased skin density, turgor, and elasticity, smoothing of fine expression lines, and reduction in visible post-acne marks and minor skin irregularities.
• Pronounced rejuvenation effects (~6–24 months of regular use): sustained lifting effect, improved facial contour definition, and significant reduction in depth of dermal structural changes.
• Long-term preventive effect (~24 months+): after reaching the peak rejuvenation phase, the primary observed effect is associated with a reduced rate of visible skin aging, estimated in experimental modeling at up to approximately 52% per year relative to the individual baseline aging trajectory.

The Zerpix® formula was developed based on cell-signaling metabolites derived from a novel recombinant bacterial strain. This producer strain is capable of generating the unique metabolites h-IMS and SIT-31, which exhibit high bioactivity and biocompatibility with human tissues and function as potent signaling molecules for cellular receptors.
Following penetration through the epidermal barrier into the skin extracellular matrix (ECM), these metabolites are described as interacting with biological signaling pathways associated with skin regeneration. Despite different primary signaling triggers, both metabolites are described as acting synergistically by converging on a common downstream signaling cascade associated with regulation of extracellular matrix synthesis through the following growth factors:

• Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β): a key regulator of fibroblast activity associated with the synthesis of collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, and other extracellular matrix components.
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF): associated with angiogenic signaling pathways involved in the formation of new blood vessels, supporting oxygen and nutrient delivery required for extracellular matrix maintenance.
• Interleukins (e.g., IL-10): associated with anti-inflammatory signaling environments that support extracellular matrix homeostasis and help minimize matrix degradation.

The activity of these growth factors is associated with proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into new fibroblast cells, as well as stimulation of existing fibroblasts toward expression of the COL1A1, COL1A2, COL1A3, HAS-2, AQP3, and related genes.
These biological processes are associated with increased production (up to 10–12-fold in experimental models) of key extracellular matrix components, including collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, aquaporins, and other structural molecules that contribute to the architecture of youthful skin.
As a result, these biological responses are associated with a reduction in the visible signs of skin aging and support improvements to skin firmness, density, elasticity, and barrier function.
Mechanism of Action of the h-IMS Metabolite
The activity of the h-IMS metabolite is described through two parallel biological processes: stimulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) component synthesis by existing fibroblasts and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into new fibroblast cells.

• Stimulation of existing fibroblasts. ECM component synthesis by existing fibroblasts is associated with the release of multiple soluble signaling factors by MSCs, including cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors such as Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β), Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGF), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), and interleukins (e.g., IL-10). These signaling molecules are associated with regulation of fibroblast activity and extracellular matrix synthesis.
• MSC proliferation and differentiation into fibroblast cells. MSCs are described as capable of migrating and differentiating into new, functionally active fibroblast cells. These fibroblast cells are associated with increased synthesis of type I and type III collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, and other extracellular matrix components, supporting restoration of the structural integrity, firmness, and elasticity of the skin.

Mechanism of Action of the SIT-31 Metabolite
The SIT-31 metabolite is described as a highly bioactive signaling molecule that produces a precisely controlled molecular microstress and initiates a protective cellular response in skin cells known as controlled hormesis. This process is associated with activation of natural tissue recovery mechanisms, including extracellular matrix (ECM) component synthesis, without inducing inflammatory responses.
SIT-31 is described as interacting with Toll-like receptors (TLR2 and TLR4) located on the surface of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). This interaction is associated with activation of intracellular signaling pathways, including the MyD88 → NF-κB signaling cascade. This signaling pattern is described as mimicking a pathogen-associated stimulus, placing stem cells into a biologically responsive state associated with production of regulatory signaling mediators.
The bacterial RNA fraction contained in SIT-31 (not more than 0.9%) is described as functioning as a molecular switch that modulates this cellular response toward active synthesis and secretion of regulatory molecules into the extracellular environment.
These cells are associated with increased production of growth factors, including Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β), Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGF), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), and interleukins (e.g., IL-10).